Preston Bynum , June 08, 1939 — October 31, 2018

Preston Bynum, 79, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 31, 2017 at his home in Lakeland, Florida. He is survived by his wife Ann Bailey of 32 years, six daughters Kerry Hyman and husband Michael, Cathy Culpepper and husband Clint Scrivner, Becky Avery and husband Steve, Candy Phillips and husband Rusty Renfrow, Angela Hayes and husband David, Leasa Souza and husband Bruce, two step daughters Holly Bowles and husband Tom, Heather Vaughn and husband Richard, a sister Judy Colwell, and husband Roger. Preston has ten grandchildren Samantha, Sarah, Christian, Caroline, Hunter, Grant, Ella, Caleigh Shea, Ellie, and Avery.

Preston was born on June 8, 1939 in Pryor, Oklahoma to Homer and Roma Bynum. He grew up in Siloam Springs where his father operated Bynum Motor Co He was involved in the family business from 1960-1985.

Preston Bynum served in the House from 1968-81. When first elected, he was one of only four Republicans in the chamber. From 1973-74, he was the only Republican in the 100-member House.

There are now 75 Republicans in the House of Representatives. State Rep. Kim Hendren, R-Gravette, said he was in the senate in 1979 when Bynum was serving in the House.

“Preston was one of the leadership vanguards of the Republican Party in Arkansas”. Hendren said. “He helped build the Arkansas Republican party”.

Bynum left the legislature to serve as Chief of Staff for Gov. Frank White from 1981-1983. After leaving the Governor’s office, he worked for Stephens Inc., the Little Rock Investment Banking firm from 1983-1995.

In 1997 he started the Phoenix Group and maintained that position until he retired in 2014. He was a notable athlete during his high school years lettering in all sports and active in community affairs. He was a founding member of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Little Rock, Arkansas and chairman of the building finance committee.

He served six years on Siloam Springs City Council and was Chairman of Siloam Springs Library Construction Committee. Visitation is November 7, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Backstrom Pyeatte Funeral Home located at 1401 E. Main Street, Siloam Springs, AR 72761. Funeral Service will be at the First Baptist Church of Siloam Springs at 11:00 am on November 8, 2018.

Donations may be made to Siloam Springs High School Panther Stadium or to the Northwest Arkansas Community College.

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