In Loving
Memory

William Fielding Binns (“Bill”), 78, of Manakin-Sabot, VA went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 26, 2023, after having the privilege of spending his final days in his home surrounded by members of his family.  Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Bette Graham Wickham; his parents, Frank Godfrey Binns and Jessica Jones Binns; and his niece, Karen Sue Binns.  He is survived by his loving wife of two years, Kathy Binns; his beloved brother, Sonny (Susan); his two sons, Scott (Anne) and Michael (Carolina); his grandchildren, Chase, Eliza, Cannon, and Caroline Binns, Jackson and Sam Taylor, and Nathaniel and Gabriela Gutierrez; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Born July 24, 1945, Bill grew up in Glen Allen, graduated from Hermitage High School, and then went on to attend the College of William & Mary, where he was a member of the golf team and Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.  He graduated from William & Mary in 1967, soon after which he married Bette.  Bill and Bette first met in 8th grade but didn’t have their first date until October 1962, at the start of their senior year.  Soon after graduating from college, they got married on July 8, 1967, and went on to raise their boys in Rockville, VA.  Upon becoming “empty-nesters”, they moved out to Manakin-Sabot to reside in a home on the golf course at Hermitage Country Club, Bill’s home away from home.  In 2010, Bette suffered a stroke, resulting in Bill becoming her primary caregiver until her death in 2019.  Two years later, Bill married Kathy, who helped instill in him a restored zest for life, and while they did not have a lot of time together, the time they did have was something special!

Bill’s professional career began soon after he graduated from William & Mary, when he went to work for the Bank of Virginia, which would later become Signet Bank and then Capital One.  As an Executive VP of Signet Bank, he was part of the management team that transitioned Signet Bank’s Card Division to what is now Capital One, something that was a highlight of his professional career.  Richard Fairbank, CEO of Capital One, is quoted as saying that “Bill Binns played an instrumental role in enabling Capital One to happen.”  After over 30 years working in the retail banking industry, Bill would go on to serve in different consulting roles and as a founding board member of 4C Digital Health.  Upon retiring from his professional career, Bill could most likely be found on the golf course.  He was a fixture in tournaments at Hermitage Country Club, took great pride in shooting a 67 at the age of 77, and would consistently score below his age during his 70’s!

Though Bill loved the game of golf and had a successful career, his family always came first.  He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather – he was always there to cheer on his sons in their individual endeavors and he never missed a chance to spend time with his grandchildren, who all have fond memories of “Pop”.  In every area of his life, Bill was known for his generosity, energetic spirit, and kind heart that would shine through in every interaction he had, even with total strangers.  It was that generosity, spirit, and kindness that impacted so many who crossed paths with Bill.

Bill’s faith in God, and the joy and hope that accompany it, resulted in his love for the Lord and his trust in Christ growing stronger in recent years.  In his final days, Bill served as a powerful witness to that joy and hope, as his faith granted him peace and courage as he approached the end.  He knew that something glorious awaited him and it was that confidence that now provides peace and a sense of relief to his loved ones that are left behind.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Berea Baptist Church, 15421 Pouncey Tract Road, Rockville, VA 23146 on Friday, November 17, 2023, at 1:00 p.m.  A reception will be held after the service, at which time the family will greet those attending.

In lieu of flowers, you may make donations in his name to Vertical Church, 12025 Gayton Road, Henrico, VA 23238; or to Goochland Cares, 2999 River Road West, Goochland, VA 23063.