Resolution of Respect, published in The Banner of Love, May 2003
On January 25, 2003, the Lord saw fit to call my grandfather, Thomas Ben Bingham to be with Him in glory. My grandfather, "Pa", as he was called by us all, will truly be missed.. I was a blessed individual to have had the opportunity to know him most all of my life.
When I was young, I worked with him every summer and after graduating high school, worked with him full time. In that time Pa and I developed a relationship and a closeness that I know was given to us by God. He was a man I loved dearly. He taught me so much about life and responsibility from a natural standpoint, but what we had went deeper than that. Not only was he my Pa, my boss, my friend, and deacon in my church at Rule, but I, his pastor.
The
spiritual relationship we had grew stronger each day.
Pa was an inspiration to me to always continue
to serve the Lord. Always
teaching me and his whole family
daily. He was truly a man that
practiced what he preached. We all
know that any man has their faults, but Pa's love for his Lord, his church, and his family overshadowed the
faults he may have had. A giving
heart and helping hand to his church, his family, his community or whomever was
in need.
Ben
Bingham was admired and respected by many friends whom he had worked for as a
building contractor. His honesty
and integrity in his business caused him to always be in great demand.
I knew many times individuals would wait two to three years for him to build their
home. I was very blessed to be
taught by my Pa.
Pa never took credit for his talent, but always gave God all the glory.
Pa realized that by God's grace and mercy are we allowed to enjoy life.
He was 86 years of age when God called him home.
He laid down in bed and went into that final peaceful sleep.
He is survived by my grandmother, Georgia, whom was his companion for 67 years; three
children, Cecil Bingham, Janice Turner, Sue Huffstutler; two brothers, two
sisters, six grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, Tyler. He
was preceded in death by two brothers and one son, Sammy.
Thomas Ben Bingham, "Pa" will be missed by all who knew him.
We rejoice in his awakening in the likeness of Jesus.
May we cherish the memories and look forward to seeing him again in the
Morning of the Resurrection.
Written
by request of the Rule Primitive Baptist Church.
Respectfully,
Elder
Dale Turner, Jr.