Michael Andrew Binney Sr.

1941 - 2015

Michael Andrew Binney Sr., 74, of Charlottesville, Va., died on Friday, Dec. 18, 2015, at the University of Virginia Hospital.
Born April 18, 1941, in DuBois, Pa., he was the son of Margaret and Charles Arthur "Art" Binney. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and an infant son, Charles Ernest "Chucky" Binney.
Michael was raised in Reynoldsville, Pa., graduating from Reynoldsville High School in 1961. As a teenager, he enjoyed hunting and spent several summers hunting groundhogs on a neighbor's farm. Thus began his lifelong interest in hunting, pistols and rifles and all things militaria.
He was employed by McCrory Department Store in several cities in Pennsylvania until he was transferred to the Charlottesville, Va., store in 1969. In 1970 he began working at Virginia Power, now Dominion Power, as an overhead lineman and then later as an underground lineman. He retired after 30+ years of employment.
About the time of the Gulf War in 1991, Michael was a founding member of the All American Honor Guard. The AAHG honors all servicemen and women of the United States military throughout U.S. history, representing the time periods from early America through the current day. The members are reenactors who wear the uniforms, and display the weapons and equipment used by soldiers of the period. While some members are military veterans whose displays actually mirror their own military service, others like Michael were never in the military. Michael enjoyed reenacting soldiers from World War II, the Korean War, the Gulf War and the current Middle East conflicts in parades and in "Living History" or "Walk through History" displays where he extolled his knowledge of all the military equipment and the history of the time. He was extremely proud of U.S. servicemen and women and grateful for their service; this was his way of honoring them.
While not a member of the American Legion, at least 15 years ago Michael was asked to provide the fallen soldier markers for the American Legion during its Memorial Day and Veterans Day services. As his father had been a member of the American Legion in the Reynoldsville, Pa., Post, the local Charlottesville Post "drafted" Michael into its Sons of the American Legion unit after Michael had been providing these fallen soldier markers for about 10 years. He was immediately made the Sergeant of Arms.
Michael was also a very active member of the Rivanna Rifle and Pistol Club, being a member for over 35 years, and was elected to the Board for several terms. After he "retired" from the Board, he would still attend the Board meetings in addition to the regular monthly meetings. Once he retired from Dominion Power, he would go shooting at the range with friends very frequently. He also competed in and helped run the monthly High Power Rifle Matches.
Michael was a very affable man, making friends very easily. He was also very supportive of his family and friends. He would do anything he could to help anyone in need, often even strangers. He knew many people in all walks of life throughout the Charlottesville area.
Michael is survived by his wife Karen of Charlottesville, Va.; his daughter, Michelle McCauley and her husband Boyd of Barboursville, Va.; his daughter, Marsha Binney-Wells of Ruckersville, Va.; his son Michael Binney Jr. and his companion Michelle of Dyke, Va.; and his son Barry Binney of Charlottesville, Va. Michael has four grandchildren: Clayton Moneymaker and his wife Antoinette of Charlottesville, Va., Tiffany Moneymaker and her husband Chris of Ruckersville, Va., Boyd McCauley Jr. of Barboursville, Va., and Amber Binney of Charlottesville, Va.; and three great-grandchildren: Justin Moneymaker, Hayleigh Moneymaker and Annabella Moneymaker. Michael is also survived by his brother, William Binney and his wife Carole of Severn, Md.; three nephews: David Binney of Connecticut, Gregory Binney of Maryland, and Matthew Binney of Columbia, Md.; and several aunts and cousins in Pennsylvania and California. Michael had maintained a friendly relationship with his former wife Carol Sharpe and her husband Harry of Brookville, Pa.
Michael had several very close friends: Dr. Jeff Adams, Tony Tyler, Steve Dellinger, Wayne Durrer, Richard Chandler, and Eric Chandler. Among his most devoted friends are his Golden Retriever companions Rocky, Skye, Sage and Kelsey Binney.
Michael will be buried in Reynoldsville Cemetery, Reynoldsville, Pa., near his parents, great-grandparents and great-great grandfather Binney, as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins. The graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, 2015. The Reverend Thomas Carr, First United Methodist Church, Reynoldsville, Pa., will officiate. There will be a lunch provided at the First United Methodist Church following the burial.
A Memorial/Celebration of Life Service will be held at Hill and Wood Funeral Home, Charlottesville, Va., in January 2016. The date and time will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the American Legion Post 74, 3025 Louisa Rd, Keswick, VA 22947, (P.O. Box 6566, Charlottesville, VA 22906), 434-977-1050.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com.