| Graduation Year | Class of 1956 |
| Date of Passing | Jan 02, 2022 |
| About | Ernest "Fireman Ernie" Eugene Bynum, Jr., age 83 of Zanesville, passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family, on Sunday, January 2, 2022. He was born Sunday, July 17, 1938, in Parkersburg, WV the son of Ernest Eugene Bynum, Sr., and Kathleen (Williams) Bynum, and was a member of St. Paul A.M.E. After graduation Ernie joined the United States Air Force, following his service to his country he returned to Zanesville to carve of a living in the community in which he was raised. He married Shirley (Norman) Bynum and began raising a family. After holding several jobs, Ernie joined the Zanesville Fire Department and retired in 1993 following many years of service. During this time he became a Fire Arson Investigator, an Ohio State Fire Safety Instructor, IAFF Local 88 President of the Zanesville Fire Department, and Fire Safety Inspector. Ernie was many things to many people in Zanesville. He was an entrepreneur with Bynum Trucking, and Computer Lifeline, Inc. Ernie was a mentor to many young men and women in the community. He coached South Rebels Biddy League Football for 12 years, and also coached men's basketball teams. Following retirement from the Fire Department, Ernie served as the City of Zanesville Parks and Recreation Director for twenty years. Ernie served his local community through many organizations and boards. He served as President of the Rambo Health Center, President of Starlight Industries, President of Zanesville Civic League, Founder of The Minority Business Resource Network, Golden Rule Lodge # 30, Free & Accepted Masons Prince Hall, N.A.A.C.P., Muskingum Valley Officials Association, Founder of the African American Community Fund, Ohio High School Official Training Committee and Community of Voices. Ernie is survived by wife: Shirley Bynum; two children: Lisa Bynum and Tony (Cheryl) Bynum both of Zanesville; grandchildren: Cory, Lionel, Amalia, Ashley and Allison; great grandchildren: Ashton, Jordyn, Chloe and Kash; one sister: Joyce Dickerson of Columbus, and several nieces and nephews. Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister JoAnn Dickinson. Friends may call Wednesday, January 5, 2021, from 11:00 AM, till 1:00 PM, at the Hillis, Combs & Nestor Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, where funeral services will follow at 1:00 PM, with Rev. Clifton Kilpatrick officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery with the United States Air Force, VFW Post 1058, and American Legion Post 29 conducting full military honors. |
