Robert Leland Bingham

Robert Bob L. Bingham, Sr., died at Holston Valley Medical Center Tuesday morning August 24, 2010 after a lengthy illness.
Bob was born on October 1, 1929 in Kingsport to the late Sam and Jennie Mae Bingham and was married to Ann Harkins on September 15, 1950.
Bob along with his son, Jeff and Norman Hensley, owned and operated Bingham and Hensley for 44 years. He was a star athlete at Dobyns-Bennett in the 1940's. Bob was a member of the 1945 state championship football and basketball teams. He was a fixture at Dobyns-Bennett football games until his health prevented his attendance during the past few seasons. Bob was an avid golfer and was instrumental in starting the Southern Golf Society in 1971. He organized golf trips and tournaments for the Southern Golf Society until 2005. In 1982, Bob quit drinking and became an active member in Alcoholics Anonymous. Over the years he helped many other men and women who were struggling with alcoholism get sober and stay sober.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 60 years, Ann Harkins Bingham; sons, John Bingham and wife, Linda, Robert Bob Bingham, Jr. and wife, Sherry, Jeff Bingham and wife, Jennifer; grandchildren, Matt, Rhett, Laura, Devin, Jake, Jessica and Julianna; brother, Kenneth Bingham and wife, Trula; brother-in-law, Bill Harkins and several nieces and nephews.
Bob's wishes to be cremated are being honored by his family.
A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsport at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 26. The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Kingsport, TN