Richard Clay Binkley, born April 29, 1943, in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, passed away surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, determination, and devotion to those he loved.
Richard was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving his country with honor before embarking on a lifetime of entrepreneurship. A gifted builder with a passion for construction and development, he possessed a remarkable vision for what could be created through hard work and perseverance. His entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic were evident in every project he undertook, and in the example he set for those around him.
More important than any accomplishment was his Christian faith, his love of God, and the love he had for his family. He shared 55 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Margie Binkley, building a life centered on love, commitment, and family. Together they raised three children who were the pride of his life: his son, Randy Binkley (Karen); and his daughters, Dana Mires (Timmy) and Shelly Wenner (Craig).
Richard found great joy in being “Poppy” to his three grandsons, Thomas Clay Mires, Hatcher Greer Wenner, and Houston Ridge Wenner. In recent years, nothing brought him greater happiness than watching his family continue to grow with his great-grandchildren, Madelynn, Ronin and Leilynn Mires. His family was his greatest treasure, and his love for each of them will continue to live on through the memories they share.
He is also survived by his sisters, Wanda Binkley Herring and Martha Lynn Bryant, and his brothers, James White and Terry Lee White, along with many extended family members, friends, and all whose lives were touched by his devotion, kindness and generosity.
Richard was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Ida Rhea Greer Binkley “Mammy”, whose influence helped shape the man he became; his father, Goodlett Binkley; his mother, Martha Elizabeth White; his sister, Wilma Claridy; and his brother, Detlev Binkley.
Richard’s life was defined by integrity, resilience, adventurous spirit and an unwavering belief that anything worth having was worth working for. Whether building homes, growing businesses, serving his country, building and flying planes, collecting classic muscle cars, or simply spending time with those he loved, he approached every chapter of life with determination and purpose.
Richard built many things throughout his lifetime, but his greatest achievement was building a family founded on love, strength, and enduring values. His legacy will continue to live on in the lives of his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Visitation will be held at Cole and Garrett Funeral Home 127 N Main St. Goodlettsville, TN:
Friday July 17, 2026, at 12:00p-8:00p, and Saturday July 18, 2026, 9:00a-1:00p
Funeral Service: Saturday July 18, 2026, at 1:00pm at Cole and Garrett Funeral Home
Graveside Service: July 18, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Ivy Point Church of Christ
2705 Greer Rd Goodlettsville, TN
Service Pastors:
Johnny Harris – Ivy Point Church of Christ
Jonathan Dedmon – Hillcrest Church of Christ
Alec Cort – Highpoint Hospice Chaplain
Pallbearers:
Randy Binkley
Tim Mires
Craig Wenner
Sammie Blackwell
Thomas Mires
Hatcher Wenner
Houston Wenner
For more obituaries visit our obituaries page.
This obituary was published by Cole & Garrett Funeral Home and Cremation Services – Goodlettsville.
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
