Francis "Frank" Binkley

Francis ""Frank"" Henry Binkley, 93, passed away on July 21, 2014 in Winston-Salem. He was born on November 5,1920 in the City View neighborhood of Winston-Salem to Thomas Henry and Lizzie Emma Nail Binkley. He grew up in Walkertown, NC in a busy household with 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Mr. Binkley served as a Staff Sargeant in the Army Air Corps during WWII. He returned home from duty and in 1946 married Mary Ruth Perrell Binkley. They shared a wonderful life for 66 years until her passing in 2012. Frank retired from Bahnson/Envirotech after 42 years and was a member of Konnoak Hills United Methodist Church where he served as an usher.

Frank, also known as ""Bink"", was known for his subtle and never-ending wit which he always used to add humor to any situation. He loved storytelling and was a natural entertainer, both with his stories and with his guitar. He played music for nearly 80 years, performing in churches, recording studios, living rooms, fairs, dance halls, and civic centers all around the area, and even on live radio as a young man. He was a resourceful handyman who always found a way to build, repair, or renovate everything from furniture to homes. Frank also valued good neighbors and in turn was one, in his Konnoak Hills neighborhood where he resided for 67 years.

Surviving Frank are three children, Tim Binkley and wife, Karin Binkley of Winston-Salem; daughter Patricia Binkley Holcomb and husband, Frank Holcomb of Belews Creek, NC; and daughter Jan Binkley McGuire and husband, B.B. McGuire, Jr. of Eden, NC. Known as ""Pop-Pop"" to them, he also leaves behind 8 grandchildren: Erin and Zach Binkley; Travis, Adam (wife, Allye and baby Holcomb due January 2015), and Lindsay Holcomb; and Mary, Sarah, and Will McGuire. In addition are great-grandchildren, Parker and Palmer Binkley; sister, Virginia ""Moots"" Warner; sister-in-law, Billie Jane Tise and her daughter and son-in-law Becky Tise and Bruce Davidson; and many other very special nieces and nephews.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Ruth; brothers Raymond, Alvin, and Arnold Binkley; and sisters Eloise Pegram and Catherine Hester.

The family is especially grateful to his devoted and loving caregivers, Rob Pettyjohn, Lindsay Holcomb, Brianna Pegram Clemens, Catherine Gilliland, and the staff of Walnut Ridge Assisted Living. In addition, many thanks to his wonderful neighbors, friends, church members, Dr. Damon Wear and his amazing staff, and fellow musicians who helped to greatly enhance his life.

Frank was a quiet man of faith and a true gentleman who made the world a better place, note by note.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, July 24th, 3:00 pm, at Konnoak Hills United Methodist Church with the Pastor Randy Manser officiating. Following the service, the family will receive friends during a reception at the Family Life Center at the church.

Memorials may be made to Konnoak Hills United Methodist Church, 430 Weisner St, Winston-Salem, NC, 27127, or to Hospice and Palliative Care Center, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC, 27103.

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