Ricky Wayne Binkley's Obituary
Ricky Wayne Binkley was born on September 3, 1952 in Nashville Tennessee and passed from this life on December 13, 2023 in Hendersonville, TN, after an extended battle with Frontotemporal Degeneration, a rare form of young onset dementia.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 1/2 years, Deborah, his daughter Emily Grimsley, son Daniel Binkley, son-in-law John Grimsley, and 2 grandchildren, Charlotte and Sam Grimsley, and a nephew, Andrew Binkley of Cookeville, TN.
Preceded in death by parents Hollis and Frankie Binkley, a brother Frederick Binkley and a sister Betty Akin.
Rick was a proud native of the Inglewood community and attended Dan Mills Elementary—where he later began his teaching career—and Isaac Litton High School.
From a young age, Rick was a goal oriented person. Through hard work and perseverance, he was able to see many of his dreams come true: president of his Isaac Litton class for 4 years, quarterback for the Litton Lions football team, and formidable pitcher for a national travel baseball team. He received an invitation to attend West Point but because of his father’s illness, chose to remain in Nashville for his college education.
After high school, Rick received degrees from David Lipscomb University, Tennessee State University, and studied for his PhD in administration at Vanderbilt University. He became a principal in Metro Nashville Public schools at age 30, and received many awards and commendations at the local, state, and national levels during his 40 year career as an educator. Among those honors were: MNPS Principal of the year, President of the MNPS principal’s association, recognition by Redbook Magazine as a national school of excellence and president of the Madison Chamber of Commerce.
Concurrent with his years in MNPS, Rick served as associate minister and elder at the Riverwood Church of Christ. His love for God led him to his greatest passion of being a dedicated student of the Bible and follower of Jesus Christ. It was a great joy and honor for him to share God’s word through pulpit ministry, teaching adult classes, counseling, and walking alongside his brothers and sisters in Christ during the happiest and most difficult times of their lives.
Rick was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. As a husband, he was kind and protective, loving Debbie as Christ loved the church. As a father, he was cheerleader, counsellor, coach, co-conspirator, comedian, and congenial companion. As a grandfather, he was just a big pile of mush, totally enamored with precious Charlotte and precocious Sam.
He led his family with love, kindness and good humor. He will live on through the legacy he has built and left behind as he relocates to his new home in the presence of God. We are sure that he is walking the streets of gold greeting everyone with a hearty “Hello My Friend!” and announcing that he is “Rick Binkley!! From Nashville Tennessee!!!”
The family wishes to acknowledge and express our deep appreciation to the staff of Vitality Living in Hendersonville for their loving care of Rick, especially during the final few weeks of his life.
Also our love and appreciation to his core of faithful friends who stood by him even when it was sometimes awkward and difficult to communicate with him. You never faltered. You know who you are. God bless you every one.
And to Mary Ann Oglesby-Sutherly and the staff of Veranda Ministries in Gallatin, TN, who loved Rick and parted the clouds of confusion and brought joy, laughter, and music into his life. We love you forever.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Veranda Ministries respite program for people living with dementia (verandaministries.org) or The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (theaftd.org)
The family cordially invites guests and relatives for a time of visitation on Tuesday, December 19th, 2023, from nine thirty in the morning until the time of the service at eleven thirty in the morning, with burial to follow at Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, TN 37216.
Pallbearers are Charlie Gragg, Anthony Febles, Jonathan Robertson, Billy Robertson, Dustin Taylor, and Tim Hinton. Honorary pallbearers are Terry Bumpus, Franklin Davis, Don Clark, Larry Borum, Brent Flanakin, and Phil Sanders.
Final arrangements for Mr. Binkley are entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, "Where Nashville Comes to Remember."
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