Billy Don Bynum

Billy Don Bynum, age 84, of Fort Smith passed away on Resurrection Day, April 5, 2026. Billy was born in Magazine, AR, on March 11, 1942 to Wesley Holland (W.H.) Bynum and Cloria Corley Bynum. He was the fifth of eleven children born into a hardworking family.

Billy attended Paris High School and later completed his G.E.D. through his U.S. military service. Billy’s first job was as a milk delivery driver for the Cotton Milk Factory at age 16. He soon enlisted in the Army National Guard of Arkansas where he worked in communications and attained the rank of Sergeant E-5.

Billy met the love of his life Ruth Joann (Pendergrass) Bynum at church in Muldrow, OK and had two sons, Tracy Don and Danny Ray Bynum. Billy worked as a painter for most of his life-first for Gene Reese Painting Co. and later owning his own painting business until he retired in his seventies. Billy made many lifelong friends during his long career.

Billy never met a stranger and loved cracking jokes. He enjoyed his breakfasts at Beth’s Corner Store with his friends where they joked about sitting at “the liar’s table.” Billy was a man who loved God and his family. He was a member of Armour Avenue Free Will Baptist Church where he enjoyed many hours of worship and fellowship. Billy loved growing his garden and was especially proud of his tomatoes.

He considered his children and grandchildren, in addition to his beloved wife, his greatest blessings.

He leaves to mourn wife of over 65 years, Ruth Pendergrass Bynum; sons Tracy Don Bynum and Danny Ray Bynum and wife Tracy; brother Wesley “Sonny” Holland Bynum, Jr.; grandchildren Heather Wade and husband Nick, Lacynda Perry and husband Jerome, Daniel Bynum and wife Jacqueline, and Derrick Bynum and wife Tiffany; twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; as well as sisters, Shirley Klein and Holly Parsons; and brothers Jimmy Wayne, Tony, Lonnie, Mike, David, William Faye, and Ricky O'Neil Bynum.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 N 12th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 11:00am at Edwards Funeral Home with burial to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 4211 State Line Rd, Fort Smith, AR 72916. Pallbearers include Kyler Wade, Daniel Bynum, Ben Bynum, Treyven Taylor, Turon Taylor, and Paul Bynum. Honorary Pallbearers are Frank Thornburg and Nick Wade.