Roy Binkley

Roy H. Binkley, 89, of Goodlettsville, TN went to his eternal home with the Lord on August 7, 2021. He was born one of 12 children on October 5, 1931, in Robertson County to his parents, the late Jesse Roy and Mary Helen Moulton Binkley. He is survived by his devoted wife, Kitty Rice Binkley, along with children Linda Gail Hackney, Kippi Braswell (Bob), Roy Binkley (Cheryl) and Randy Binkley, and sister, Anna Gregory (Donald). He was also a proud grandfather (affectionately known as “Pop”) to 4 granddaughters, 4 grandsons, and 8 great-grandchildren.

Falling a couple months short of his 90th birthday, Roy was a dedicated family man, a tireless worker and leader. Most would call him a humble and quiet man, who you never heard bragging or bringing attention to himself, despite having many pursuits and accomplishments. Likewise, he listened to all sides before speaking and was fair but didn’t let too many people outsmart him.

He served honorably as a Marine Sergeant in the Korean War and was part of the first group of soldiers that fought in the famous battle at the Chozin Reservoir. While in the military, he was an elite marksman and had the distinct privilege of being selected to serve on President Eisenhower’s personal detail. He remained a proud and passionate American, until the end of his life.

Following the military, Roy enjoyed a very long and successful career in Engineering. He spent over 50 years as a prominent figure within the Industrial Engineering field. He was highly regarded for his engineering instincts, leadership, ingenuity, and reliable spirit of excellence.

Roy had a masterful mind for designing or building just about anything mechanical in nature. One area where this was most demonstrated was in his involvement with stock car racing. Over a span of several decades, he was known as one of the best engine builders to ever come out of the Nashville Speedway. He was the last living member of the original Binkley Brothers Racing Team, which played a popular and important role in the Speedway’s history. And although Roy was a mentor to many within the sport, racing didn’t consume him, but he still enjoyed matching wits against the competition. Remarkably, no matter the decade, his engines were always competitive and kept up with the technological curve. His motor designs helped to break track records and win various championships, including the unique feat of achieving track records in 3 different divisions at the Nashville Speedway, in the 2005 racing season. However, he was most proud of his contribution to the championships of his brother, Charlie Binkley and his son, Roy Binkley.

Not a man to sit still or have a lot of idle time, he embraced a well-rounded life. He not only loved tinkering on engines, but enjoyed handyman projects at home, working in his garden, playing musical instruments, and even took pleasure in challenging friends to defend their politics. However, he was happiest when spending time with his family, because he was a true family man.

At the core of Roy’s life was a reverent appreciation and gratitude to his Lord and Savior for all that he was given and was blessed to experience in this life. With this, he is now hearing those rewarding words, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant!” For all those he left behind, he will be deeply missed, but none more so than the family he loved immeasurably.

A celebration of Roy’s life will be held at the Livery Stables in Pleasant View, Tennessee on Sunday, September 26th, 2021 from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm with services starting at 2:00 pm and visitation following.

The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to: Nashville Alive Hospice 1718 Patterson Street Nashville, TN 37203 615-327-1085.

These arrangements were entrusted to Springfield Memorial Gardens, Funeral Home and Cremation Center 4005 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172: 615-384-5437.