William F. Bina, Jr.

William F. Bina, Jr, age 99, of Macon, Georgia died December 27, 2016. The visitation will be held Thursday, December 29, 2016 from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm at Hart's at the Cupola. A memorial Service will be at Hart's at the Cupola at 2:00pm with Pastor Mark Hudgins officiating. Private family burial will be at Bethphage Cemetery, Axtell, Nebraska at a later date. Survivors include his wife of 73 years, Myrtle, and sons, William III, wife Gayle of Macon, Georgia and Peter, wife Pam of Chandler, Arizona. Preceded in death, son, Tommy. Grandchildren and their spouses, Betsy Bina, Washington, DC; Peter Jr and Christina Bina, Gilbert, AZ; Bill IV and Kitty Bina, Atlanta; Keely Bina, Gilbert, AZ; Dr. Robert Bina, Tucson, AZ; Alison and Chris Fulbright, San Jose, CA Jonathan and Crystal Bina, Macon, GA and Megan and Dan Taylor, Gilbert, AZ. Great granddaughters include Madeleine, Isabella, Evangeline, Mia, Scarlett, Kayden, Sofia, Emery, and great grandson, Brecken plus numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. In the late 1930s he was a national champion road cyclist. During WWII, he served as a US Naval Aviator from 1940-1945, reaching the rank of Lieutenant. After completing flight training and carrier qualifications in Norfolk, VA, he was assigned to Air Group 12 in San Diego, CA as a SBD Dauntless Dive Bomber pilot. He served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga in the South Pacific from October 1943 - June 1944, logging more than 1200 hours of flight time and had more than 100 carrier landings. While on the Saratoga, he participated in operations against the Japanese at Rabaul, Bougainville, the Dutch East Indies, Tarawa, and the Gilbert & Marshall Islands. After the war, Mr. Bina worked for the Santa Fe Railroad until retirement when he moved from Chicago to Axtell, Nebraska with his wife, Myrtle, and dedicated the next 40 years to serving the developmentally disabled at Bethphage Mission. Mr. Bina was a good man, who loved the Lord, and was dedicated to his family, extended family, his church, and helped anyone who needed him. His joy came from being with friends and family. Well into his 80s, Bill drove himself and Myrtle across the country visiting family and he always had a camera around his neck documenting every gathering. He could always be counted on to welcome you with a hug, to share a joke or memory, and to say a meaningful blessing. Memorials suggested to Mosaic-Bethphage @ Axtell, Box 67, Axtell, Nebraska, 68924 or Keene Evangelical Free Church, 662 F Rd., Axtell, Nebraska, 68924 Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola has charge of arrangements.

Burial will be in Nebraska at a later date