March 5, 2013

On March 5, 2013, while surrounded by family and loved ones, God called Herbert Bynum, 83, to eternal rest. Born March 19, 1929, to the late Rufus and Mae Ellen Bynum, he was a native of Suffolk, Va. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sudie Ellen Brown, his grandson, Kevin Blanco, and his son-in-law, Montie Ridley Sr.

Herbert was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Mahan Street. Known for his anointed “golden voice,” he was a member of the Chancels Choir and Male Chorus; as well as being a member of the Suffolk Community Male Chorus. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and retired from the Norfolk Naval Air Station after 38 ½ years of service.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Beulah M. Bynum, seven daughters, Beverly Ridley, Myrna White, Sharon Blanco, Deborah Rodgers (Charles Sr.), Colette Winborne, Karen Lewis (Alvin), and Carmen Smith (Ronald); 17 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren; as well as a host of relatives and friends.

A service to celebrate his life will be held on Monday, March 11 at noon at First Baptist Church Mahan Street in Suffolk, Va., where the Rev. Dr. Steven G. Blunt is pastor. Interment will follow in the Carver Cemetery Mausoleum. Crocker Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. The family will receive friends at 832 Haskins Drive on Friday and Saturday, March 8 and 9. A visitation will be held at Crocker Funeral Home on Sunday, March 10, from 5 to 6 p.m. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com.