of Conway, AR

August 13, 1947 - July 20, 2025

Donald Joe Bingham, a man of many talents and unwavering faith, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Born on August 13, 1947 in Huntsville, Alabama, he was a Conway resident for 50 years. Don was the beloved son of the late Hershel O. Bingham and Lila Bailey Bingham. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jerry.

Don is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Nancy Lynn Bingham of Conway, Arkansas and their five children, Jennifer (Jeremy), Jill (Kenny), Janna (Glen), Jessica (Daniel) and Joseph (Carrie). He leaves behind a cherished legacy in his 12 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and two more great-grandchildren on the way.

A man whose life was marked by creativity, compassion and service, Don earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Music from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tennessee and also studied at Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas. His pursuit of excellence continued as he became a Certified Culinary Administrator and Executive Chef through the American Culinary Federation.

Don's talents were as diverse as they were exceptional. He began playing piano at an early age and was sharing his musical gifts publicly by the age of nine, becoming the church organist at twelve. He also was known for leading neighborhood sidewalk marching bands. For over 50 years, he served as a worship leader, teacher, author and conference speaker ministering to countless lives across the country.

Don had a heart for worship. One of Don's greatest joys was to help people understand and love worship. One of Don's favorite sayings was ''the reason for theology is doxology''.

Some of the ministries he participated in included teaching, counseling courses, prison inmate counseling and mission trips.

His distinguished career spanned ministry, music, media and culinary arts. Don served as Mansion Administrator for the Arkansas Governor's Mansion from 1999 to 2007 and again from 2015 to 2018 and later contributed his skills in event planning and development at the University of Central Arkansas.

As an award-winning chef, Don authored four cookbooks, owned Zinzendorf's Restaurant of Conway and was named 1995 Arkansas Chef of the Year. Don was also instrumental in the establishment of the Arkansas Chapter of the American Culinary Federation Apprenticeship Program. He shared his culinary talents through numerous television appearances, including "The 700 Club", AETN-"The ABC's of Cooking" Series, KATV and KTHV's weekly noon show with Beth Ward. He has also been a contributor of 501LIFE since 2008. His vibrant personality and innovative approach to cooking made him a beloved figure in both faith-based and culinary communities.

Through every chapter of his life, Don remained committed to serving others with his music, his words, his hospitality and above all, his heart.

Don Bingham's life was a beautiful symphony of service, creativity and love. His legacy will continue to echo in the lives he touched and the many hearts he inspired.

A celebration of Don's life will be held Friday, July 25th at 2 p.m. in the Burgess Auditorium, located inside the Cooper Building at Central Baptist College, 1501 College Avenue, Conway. Don loved flowers, but if you would rather make a donation, the family requests donations be made to the Grace Presbyterian Building Fund.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
650 Central Landing Blvd.
Conway, AR  72032
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com