Dr. Arthur Leon Bynum

Reflections of Life Dr. Arthur Leon “Big House” Bynum, 62, of Henrico, departed this life February 4, 2015. Born in Harrisburg, PA, he was preceded in death by his parents, Martha Purnell Dent and Arthur Lee Bynum; and brother, Michael James Bynum. Leon graduated from I. C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, VA and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in sociology from St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, VA. He attended Regent University where he received his Master’s degree. He defended his doctoral degree at Argosy University. Dr. Bynum, a former Richmond Juvenile Detention Home counselor, touched many lives as an educator, mentor, basketball and football coach in the school systems of Charles City, Newport News, Henrico County, as well as Richmond City Public Schools where he taught at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School for the last ten years; more recently, he served as a faculty member at his alma mater, St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, VA. In addition, Dr. Bynum was a faithful member of his church, Sharon Baptist, where his proudest moments were serving as a deacon and being a member of Sunday school. Leon was a wonderful husband, dedicated father, supportive brother and faithful friend. His favorite pastimes were watching his favorite football team, the Washington Redskins, sharing jokes, and sending morning scriptures to a number of his friends. Staying physically fit was a way of life for him; in addition to working out daily, he frequently shared fitness tips with many in the community. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife of 37 years, Sandra White Bynum; twin daughters, Lennika J. and LaNice J. Bynum; two sons, Leon J. (Damian) and LeVonté J. Bynum; two sisters, Barbara Stephenson (Clyde) and Vanessa Bynum; two brothers, Steven (Lanise) and Howard (Yvonne) Bynum; two sisters-in-law, Bertha Aiken and Celestine Brown; one brother-in-law, Robert L. White (Cynthia); family friends, Robert and Charlotte Harris, and William Robinson; beloved canine companion, “Tori”; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Expressions from the Family Dad, Of all the many gifts you gave me, sacrifices you made for me, lessons you taught me, skills you modeled for me, I always will be most grateful that you allowed me to be the person I am while showing me how to be the man you wanted me to be. I only hope that I will continue to make you proud. I love you so much, and I will continue to thank God every day for you. - Leon The greatest gift I ever had came from God; I call him Dad, how I love, love, love my father! - LeVonté Daddy, You were my strength when I was weak You were my voice when I couldn’t speak You were my eyes when I couldn’t see You saw the best there was in me Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach You gave me faith because you believed I’m everything I am because you loved me. A father’s love is the greatest gift a girl could ask for; I would never ever ask God why you were taken from us because it was in His time and will. I appreciate the life you were given, and I am forever grateful to you for all you’ve done for me and your family. I love you so much and I will see you again. I love you daddy, I will smile because you smiled, I will laugh because you laughed, and I will love with all my heart because you did. - Your baby girl, LaNice Dad, Did you ever know that you’re my hero, and everything I would like to be? I can fly higher than an eagle for you are the wind beneath my wings... Thank you God for giving me an amazing, loving, and selfless father. All I can do is give God all the glory, honor, and praise for allowing me to have my father with me for 25 years. Dad, you were and will always be my hero. I can only pray that I continue to make you proud. I love you and can’t wait to see you again. - Lennika “Really Gonna Miss You” It’s really gonna be different without you Time came when you had to go For the rest of my life Gonna be thinking about you... (Yes, I am) I’ll miss you my buddy – I’ll miss you my friend I promise my love for you will never end In your finest hour, I was there with you And without you things won’t be the same But there’s a higher power that we answer to And you heard Him calling your name Really gonna miss you – Everything about you, your smiling face I know you want us all to be strong Really gonna miss you I know you’re going to that magic place Singing you a brand new song I promise my love for you will never end. Smokey Robinson

Tributes

Dr. Arthur Leon Bynum

November 24, 1952 - February 4, 2015