Wolford Frank Bingham

Frank was born at home in Tinsley, Kentucky, on July 8, 1946, to Chalice Bingham and Alta Hammons Bingham, both of whom preceded him in death. He was the fifth of 11 children and was raised in the hills of Pineville, Kentucky.

He is survived by his siblings, Chalice Bingham, Donna Taylor, Charles Bingham, Douglas Bingham, Kenny Bingham, and Harley (Bruce) Bingham. He was preceded in death by his siblings Sue Walker, Jack Bingham, Paul Bingham, and Bobby Bingham.

At age 17, Frank moved to Michigan to live with his sister. He worked at Bond Built Construction, Tip-Up Garage Doors, and Seven Grand Lounge before joining Ford Motor Company in 1965. He worked at Ford for 30 years, retiring in 1995.

In 1966, Frank was drafted into the United States Marine Corps and served from 1966 to 1968 as a rifleman, MOS 0311, during the Vietnam War. His military service remained important to him throughout his life, and he was an active member of the VFW, American Legion, and Elks Lodge. He volunteered whenever he could.

Frank was first married to Vivian Tackett, who preceded him in death. Although their marriage ended in divorce in 1983, together they share their daughters, Vanessa Harvey of Seminole, Florida, and Susan Gregoire of Saginaw, Michigan, and he was a proud grandfather to Shawn Hyde, Michael Harvey, Alexis Gregoire, and Ryan Gregoire.

Frank was married to his beloved wife, Shirley Bingham, for 41 years. They built a life filled with family, friends, travel, golf, and many wonderful memories. Frank also loved and considered Shirley’s family his own, including Julia Duffy and her husband, Michael Duffy, of Seminole, Florida, and Kit Hissong and Judith Hales of Traverse City, Michigan. He was also a grandfather to Michael Watson, Jake Cappell, Chris Duffy, Sean Duffy, Kennedy Bingham, and Carson Bingham, and a great-grandfather to Bryson Watson.

After retiring from Ford, Frank and Shirley moved to Madeira Beach, Florida. Frank enjoyed retirement, golf, and organizing semiannual golf trips to Sebring with friends. He also owned Dee’s Den in Largo, Florida, where he made many lifelong friends.

Frank organized and supported benefits for Hope Children’s Home and St. Vincent de Paul and gave back to his community whenever he could.

A Celebration of Life for Frank will be planned at a later date. Details will be announced once arrangements have been finalized.