Donald Franklin Bynum

Don Bynum was born on September 2, 1933 to Altha Abernathy Bynum and Leonard Hampton Bynum in Alexis, NC. He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Priscilla Ipock Bynum, and daughters, Janet Miller (Nancy Culp) and Dianne Prejean (Philip). Don is also survived by his grandchildren, Jackson Miller (Lucy) and Mary Miller Dwyer (Nolan), and sister, Judy Casey (Gordon), as well as a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
As anyone who knew him can attest, Don was an enthusiastic, friendly man with a strong work ethic. He loved being outdoors; he also enjoyed photography and music. But his primary interest and greatest gift, was in connecting with other people. He had many well loved friends and professional colleagues, but he also freely bestowed his thousand watt smile and genuine kindness upon anyone he met.
Don spent his undergraduate years at Gardner Webb and Appalachian State, earning a BA in Special Education. For several summers Don worked at the NC School for The Deaf, assuming responsibility for 30+ young boys who lived at the school, many far away from family. This experience decisively shaped his professional life, pointing the way toward a career in Speech and Hearing services.
While at Appalachian, Don met Priscilla Ipock, who was attending summer school. After completing his degree, Don served the US Army at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as a clinical audiologist. Don and Priscilla married in the summer of 1957 following Priscilla's graduation, and moved immediately to Pittsburgh PA where Don earned his Masters degree in Special Education and Audiology from the University of Pittsburgh.
After completing his degree, Don accepted a position as clinical audiologist with the Veterans Administration and they moved to St. Petersburg, Fla, where their daughters were born. Three years later, Don transferred to the VA in Winston Salem and soon after, took a position at Bowman Gray School of Medicine as an Assistant in Otolaryngology. In 1967, Don was recruited by The Junior League of Charlotte to be the first Executive Director of the Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center. Don found great fulfillment over the next twenty years serving in this capacity and was grateful for the opportunity to work with some of the most capable business and community leaders in Charlotte who gave their time as members of the center's board and auxiliary. Don was also fortunate to work with wonderful staff members over the years.
Outside of his work at the CSHC, one of the most fulfilling aspects of Don's professional life came from his service with the North Carolina and National Speech and Hearing Associations where he served in a number of capacities. In 1969 Don was President of The NC Speech and Hearing Association. For his contributions to the national organization, Don was recognized as a Fellow and represented North Carolina on the national legislative body for six years. In his capacity as a Site Visitor for accreditation, Don travelled the country, making new friends all along the way.
By 1987 Don was ready for a new challenge and accepted the position of Senior Vice President of Organizational Development at the United Way. Again he enjoyed working with outstanding community leaders and volunteers. Don ended his career at the Department of Social Services of Mecklenburg County where he held the gratifying role of Administrator of Community Resources. While at DSS, Don expanded the number of programs offered and administered the Good Friends Fund which provided support to families in crisis. In 1998 Don retired from professional work but continued serving the community through his volunteer efforts.
Though Don enjoyed all of his volunteer work, especially at the Cardiovascular Institute at Presbyterian Hospital, he felt that his 40+ years of involvement at Myers Park Baptist Church may have been the most satisfying service of his life. He served in a great variety of roles, among them Life Deacon and Deacon Vice Chair, Executive Committee and Orientation Committee Chair. He established and served as Chair of the first Human Resources Committee. He participated in strategic planning efforts through his role on the Envisioning Committee. Don was passionate about congregational care and served as the first Co-Chair of that group. After his retirement Don spent many hours visiting members who were home bound, hospitalized or recovering from illness. Don also wrote countless notes of encouragement, congratulations and support to MPBC staff members, lay leaders and congregants.
Don and Priscilla moved to Aldersgate Retirement Community in 2013 where they are grateful to have made many friends over the years. The family wishes to express deepest gratitude to the dedicated staff at Aldersgate. Especially, we are grateful for the care Don has received during his time at Asbury Skilled Nursing. The staff on the Elizabeth Hall have been extraordinary in their attentive kindness to him, and indeed our entire family.
A memorial service to celebrate Don's life will be held at Myers Park Baptist Church on December 10 at 2 pm. The family will greet friends in Heaton Hall following the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to:
The Sunshine Fund of Myers Park Baptist Church:
Online at myersparkbaptist.org
or send check to Myers Park Baptist Church,
attn: Finance Manager, 1900 Queens Rd. Charlotte NC 28207
Please note Sunshine Fund in memo line
The Employee Fund at Aldersgate
Send check to Aldersgate, attn: Finance Dept.
3800 Shamrock Dr. Charlotte NC 28215
Please note Employee Christmas Fund in memo line
The Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center
Donate online at https://charlottespeechhearing.com/donate/