Service Announcements

Dr. Raleigh Wesley Bynum, 89 of Charlotte, NC passed away Monday, March 30, 2026 at Arbor Ridge at Huntersville. Celebration of his life will be held Monday, April 13, 2026 at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3301 Beatties Ford Rd. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and the Service will follow at 11:30 AM. Military Rites and Interment will be in the Salisbury National Cemetery 501 Statesville Blvd. Salisbury, NC 28144. April 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

Dr. Raleigh Wesley Bynum
May 27, 1936 – March 30, 2026

Dr. Raleigh Wesley Bynum—pioneering optometrist, retired United States Army Colonel, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong trailblazer—passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, at the age of 89, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, to John and Corene Bynum, Raleigh was one of six children and carried with him a strong foundation of faith, discipline, and perseverance. He graduated from New Stanton High School in 1954 and became the first in his family to earn a college degree. He attended Florida A&M University, earned his Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry, and later completed a Master of Public Health Administration from the University of South Carolina.

A man of vision in every sense, Raleigh broke barriers by becoming the first Black optometrist in Charlotte, North Carolina—an achievement that reflected both his excellence and his determination to expand opportunity for others. Alongside his beloved wife, Thelmetia, he also helped integrate the Hidden Valley neighborhood as its first Black residents, quietly reshaping the community through courage, dignity, and example.

Raleigh served his country with honor and distinction for more than 30 years in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Colonel in the Medical Service Corps. Throughout his military career, he held key leadership roles in medical units and earned numerous commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He retired in 1996, leaving a legacy defined by service, leadership, and integrity.

His influence extended far beyond his profession. A respected leader in both civic and professional organizations, he served as President and Chair of the National Optometric Association; Chair of the Airport Advisory Committee for Charlotte Douglas International Airport; Chair of the Board of Trustees for the American Optometric Association Retirement Plans; Vice Chair of the Board of Managers for the McCrorey YMCA; and Vice Chair of the Mint Museum Board of Directors. Through these roles, he helped shape institutions and expand access and opportunity for countless others.

1963, he married the love of his life, Thelmetia. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, partnership, and shared adventure for more than six decades. As devoted members of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. Bynum served faithfully as a deacon for over 50 years. Together, they participated in global mission work, providing optometric care to communities in Guyana, Jamaica, and South Africa. Their bond was extraordinary, and in a poignant reflection of their deep connection, both ultimately passed from the same illness.

He was a proud and devoted father to Raleigh II, Monjya, and Zerrick. While he loved his children deeply, his seven grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy and pride, and he delighted in their lives, growth, and accomplishments.

Raleigh approached life with curiosity, courage, and an unwavering belief that anything was possible. He and his wife traveled to more than 30 countries, became instrument-rated pilots, and owned their own airplane. He golfed on all seven continents—an achievement that perfectly reflected his adventurous spirit. He also enjoyed skiing, playing bridge, collecting art, reading, and creating memorable experiences with his family. Known for his warmth and charisma, he truly never met a stranger.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Corene Bynum; Siblings, James, John and Doretha; and his wife, Thelmetia. He is survived by one sister, Agnes Horn; one brother, Charles (Dell) Bynum; one daughter, Monjya (Curtis) Parker; two sons, Raleigh Bynum, II and Zerrick (Fati) Bynum; and his seven grandchildren, Raleigh III, Skylar, Brandon, Aleeya, Jaida, Siaka and Zahra and a host of extended family and friends.

Raleigh’s life was not just long—it was full. He built, led, explored, and opened doors. He leaves behind a legacy of service, achievement, resilience, and possibility that will continue through the family he loved and the many lives he impacted. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

in lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation in Raleigh’s honor:

Dr. Henry Moore and Dr. Raleigh Bynum Golf Scholarship

National Optometric Foundation

5009 Beatties Ford Road

St 107 #278

Charlotte, NC 28216

https://nof.nationaloptometricassociation.com/donations

Coleman W. Kerry Scholarship Fund

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

3400 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte NC 28216

https://www.friendshipcharlotte.org/give