George D. Bynum

George D. Bynum, age 84, of Birmingham, AL, passed away on Tuesday, July 12, 2016. Born in Tarrant, AL on October 5, 1931, he attended Tarrant Elementary School. He graduated from Woodlawn High School where he joined the Air National Guard. Immediately after graduation the Korean conflict broke out and his unit was called to active duty. After his discharge he attended Auburn University where he majored in Mechanical Engineering.

He sang with the Auburn Men, joined Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, was active in the Auburn Wesley Foundation and regularly attended Auburn Methodist Church. There he met Lila Nichols. After graduation they married. Lila's mother said she did not know if all marriages were made in heaven or not, but she knew George and Lila's was. When George and Lila went to her home to visit, George always got the first hug. Then when Anne came, she got first place! They had looked forward to celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on September 2.

His first job after graduation was with Continental Gin Co. when Mr. Pratt was still there - a wonderful introduction to his career. Cotton was on the way out, but George chose to stay with Mr. Pratt until the end. Next he enjoyed working with many fine people at Chemstrand Decatur, where he received several patents for the company. Monsanto took over Chemstrand, and the company continued to be satisfying in various ways. When he and Lila needed to be closer to their families, he moved to Birmingham and joined his brother in the metal fabricating business.

George's father taught him the value of working with integrity and always giving the "baker's dozen of 13 instead of 12." He found much satisfaction in growing things - trees, flowers, shrubs, a vegetable garden and a rose garden for Lila. George was interested in architecture. He designed and had built their two houses. When a tornado destroyed Lila's family home, he designed a house for her parents. He supervised the building himself, although at the time there was no interstate and the trip was five hours each way.

George's idea of success was being in God's will. He had a servant's spirit, was totally unselfish - requiring nothing for himself, but very generous with others. He was optimistic, noncritical, nonjudgmental, loyal, frugal - had no love of the world's goods, and no desire for recognition. He lived out his life on God's stage, for His approval - not for the eyes of man. He served many ways in each church with which he was affiliated. He was a long time elder at Shades Mountain Independent Church.

Recently, George had not been well and suffered a massive stroke. He was in SICU and then at home with Hospice care. The family is grateful for the loving care St. Vincent's Hospital and Hospice provided. On July 12, the Lord mercifully received him into His presence. "Everyday of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." Psalm 139:16 NLT.

George was predeceased by his parents, William Dee and Effie McCuen Bynum, one sister, Elosie Bynum Harris (Jack), and one brother, F.G. Bynum (Avis). Survivors include George's adoring wife, Lila Nichols Bynum; one precious daughter, Anne Michele Bynum Snoddy of Huntsville, AL; son-in-law, Tom Snoddy of Huntsville; four grandchildren, Lauren Michele Snoddy, Sarah Katherine Snoddy, Thomas Jay "TJ" Snoddy, and Matthew Timothy Snoddy - all of whom he deeply loved; two nephews, David Harris and Jim Harris; and several cousins.

Visitation will be 3-4 p.m. on Friday, July 15, 2016 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, AL, and will be immediately followed by the 4 p.m. funeral service in Ridout's Southern Heritage Chapel, Pelham. On Saturday, July 16, 2016, the graveside service will be at 3 p.m. at Huntsville Memory Gardens.

HIs favorite charity was Samaritan's Purse, P.O Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000.