Samuel James Binion Jr.

His birthday was Valentine’s Day, and he was as sweet and gentle as that day suggests.

He was premature, so Arlington’s only doctor, Dr. Bobo, took Elizabeth to Fort Worth for specialized care at delivery.

Growing up in Arlington, he and his beloved brother, David, both worked paper routes around the small town of Arlington.

His mom worked for Lynn’s uncle, Ted Arendale, at his auto agency; but Sam & Lynn never met at that time. Then his family moved from Arlington to San Antonio at the same time Lynn’s family moved from Dallas to San Antonio where they met. Lynn was in the 9th grade & Sam was in the 10th. Wearing his football letter jacket, he made a huge impression on her.

He never raised his voice that anyone can remember; he was gentle soul.

Sam could fix anything. (Lynn still has a list of honey-does!)

He graduated from Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio and then attended UTA. They married during college, and Sam graduated from UTA with a BS in Engineering.

Although they never had children, he loved his family so much and even helped care for Lynn’s great nephew and niece as they grew up.

Sam worked as a General Contractor, owning his own business for many years. He built over 110 commercial structures all over the state, even building in Miami and Atlanta. He built several fire stations, churches and schools in Arlington plus a few houses, including their home.

He also built UTA’s Phi Delta Theta house and managed the finances for the house and the alums for years. He was very active with the Phi Delts.

He was also on the Boys & Girls Club Board for many years, serving in several executive positions. He even built one of their after-school facilities here. Sam really felt it was important for the future of Arlington to be involved with the leaders of tomorrow.

Sam loved golf & worked at Waterchase Golf Course for a long time. He even had made a practice area upstairs so he could hit balls year-round, complete with a huge targeted web.

He served in the Naval Air reserves for years, even landing in Viet Nam during the war.

He had his pilot’s license and built, owned & operated Arlington Jet Center, the local FBO at Arlington Airport. They flew themselves to Colorado, Washington, DC, Florida, Jamaica, the Bahamas and Alaska, where David had lived for 13 years.

His commitment & interest in Bible Study Fellowship amazed Lynn. (He gave up Monday Night Football which he had loved,) This so impressed Lynn that she became involved. Both served as leaders for many years. To encourage the men in his groups to attend the monthly sharing night, he served them dinner which he cooked himself with Lynn’s help.

Sam loved belonging to First Baptist, serving as a greeter at the north doors and passing the plate in both services. Lynn & Sam loved their trip to Rome with Dr. Wiles in 2009, visiting all of the Christian sites and learning a great deal about church history. Sam was so proud to have been baptized by Dr. Wiles years ago.

Sam is survived by: Wife: Lynn. Brother: Jim Binion(Shirley). Sisters: Anne Darland (Bill), Terri Burnham(Jerry). Nieces: Tambra Correll(David), Cindy Smith(Kevin), Debbie Binion, Renee Huset, Mallory Davis(John Mark). Nephews: Brad Darland(Natalie), Tommy Darland(Tammy), Brian Darland(Stephanie), Michael Huset (Melissa). And numerous great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth, his father, Sam Sr. and his beloved brother, David Binion.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Boys & Girls Club of Arlington or to Mission Arlington in his memory.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of beloved Brother, Sam Binion, into the Chapter Grand. Please read the following thoughtful reflections from Brother Tom Tanner; sentiments shared by all blessed to have Sam in their lives.

My pledge brother, Sam Binion, was always a gentleman, kind of quiet and reserved, always ready to join in no matter what the job or occasion, He was a valued brother and life-long friend.

Texas Kappa House: Sam was on the building committee. He didn’t hesitate to commit to design, bid and build the house through his building company, Sam Binion & Associates Construction, at cost. Brother Brad Nelson, who worked for Sam, was the full-time building superintendent on the house.

Sam was one of the members of the House Corporation who signed for the permanent house loan.

Sam was also a partner in Arlington Aviation at Arlington Airport. He provided a business jet for the House Building Committee to go to Las Vegas for celebration when the House was finished. We all had a very good time! Texas Kappa will be forever in Sam Binion’s debt for his service to the fraternity.

Sam and I served in the U.S. Naval Air Reserve in the same transport squadron at Naval Air Station Dallas, Texas. Sam was always ready to do his part and worked hard.

Prayers are with Lynn, his loving wife of 53 years, and family. Sam will be dearly missed.

Yours in the bond,

Tom Tanner

Bond #13