Raleigh Bynes Raleigh DeWitt Bynes died Sunday, November 29, 2009 after a 17 year illness with Multiple Myeloma.

Born in Brooklyn, NY to Frenchye and Frank Bynes, Sr., Raleigh was educated in the Chatham County Public Schools graduating from Alfred E. Beach High School in 1971. He matriculated at Savannah State College (University) and graduated with honors in 1975 with a degree in Mortuary Science from Gupton- Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, Georgia. Bynes was certified at both the state and national levels. He was the General Manager of Bynes-Royall Funeral Home, Inc, the oldest Black-owned mortuary in the United States.

Bynes had many professional affiliations including membership in the Georgia Funeral Service Practitioners Association, Inc., the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Inc. and the Epsilon Nu Delta Morticians Fraternity.

Bynes was also socially active, prior to his illness. His smile warmed every room he walked into. His social affiliations included Mt. Moriah Lodge #15, Prince Hall Masons; Ezra consistory #27, 32nd Degree Mason; President of the Wolves Social Club; The Waldorf Social Club; the Mutual Benevolent Society and the Aristocrats. In addition, Bynes was a former Board member of the Greenbriar Children's Center.

Bynes was a lifetime member of St. John Baptist Church "The Mighty Fortress". He served as former President of the Senior Usher Board and continued to serve as an usher until his illness prevailed.

Among Bynes hobbies was cooking and he was very good at it. He was a first place winner of the 100 Celebrity Men Who Cook 2008 and also first place winner of the Flying Pigs Pooler Cook-off in 2008. He also enjoyed traveling, attending sporting events, socializing with friends and enjoying family.

Bynes was the recipient of many honors and awards including the Mortician of the Year in 2006.

He was married to the former Patricia Gail Brown who preceded him in death and the son of the late lamented Frank H. Bynes, Sr.

Surviving are daughters, Tara Bynes-Jackson (Kevin), Teri Marie Bynes and Toya Patricia Bynes; granddaughters, Paris Patricia Jackson and Sydnei Ra-Leigh Roberts; grandson Quovious "Mel" Jackson; his mother, Frenchye M. Bynes; a companion, Cheryl Blair; sisters, Olga B. Bland (Donald), Frenchye Bynes-Jones (Carey) and Lisa B. Reid (Anthony) of Alpharetta Ga; brother, Dr. Frank H. Bynes, Jr., (Gail); sister-in-law, Barbara Willis; brothers-inlaw Mr. Robert Brown (Paulette) of Warner Robins, Ga and Roscoe Brown (Phyllis) and a multitude of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 1pm St. John Baptist Church.