Bingman Family Shares Appreciation for Compassionate Care at Iredell Health System

Last Updated 2/6/2024 • Posted in News

Iredell County, NC – For over 40 years, Bobby Joe Bingman was a farmer in Statesville. He was always ready to help those less fortunate, often lending them financial assistance for necessary medications or taking them to doctor’s appointments. He always put his family first and welcomed his niece and her son into his home when they needed a place to stay, despite his home's crowded conditions.

Bobby Joe's daughters, Penny and Wendy Bingman, spent most of their days on the farm with their father. Their mother, Betty, worked alongside their father for many years. Despite facing various health issues, including a heart attack, an aneurysm, and a stroke, Bobby Joe never failed to take care of his family. Even when he was paralyzed, he remained determined to provide for them.

When Bobby Joe fell ill in March 2023, he went to Iredell Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department. The medical team quickly diagnosed him with pneumonia but also discovered he had suffered another stroke and needed to see a neurologist. The following 24 hours were critical.

“We took Dad to Iredell because it’s the only place we trust,” said Penny Bingham. “They saw us quickly and treated us like family or a close friend.”

Unfortunately, Bobby Joe's organs began to fail, and despite the hospital staff doing all they could, he passed away. The hospital chaplain, Allison "Bubba" Simmons, comforted the Bingman family, playing gospel music and praying with them. Bobby Joe's daughters remember how their father smiled when the chaplain was there, holding his hand and providing comfort in his final moments.

“Throughout our time at Iredell, the chaplain was our biggest fan. She kept checking in on us, even after Dad’s passing," said Wendy Bingman. "That's something special you can't find anywhere else.”

The Bingman family was grateful for the excellent care and support provided by the hospital staff during Bobby Joe’s final hours. Though missing a significant part of their family and a piece of their hearts, the Bingman family felt a sense of comfort knowing Bobby Joe had lived a fulfilling life and always put others before himself. They knew that Bobby Joe would have been pleased to be remembered as a kind and generous man who helped many people throughout his life.

The Bingman family has always trusted Iredell Memorial Hospital. They have been going to the hospital for many years and find it their healthcare home. Although they had tried other hospitals in the past, they never felt the same level of comfort and care as they did at Iredell.

The Bingman’s are appreciative of the Iredell staff, expressing that they treated them like family, going above and beyond to make them feel welcome and cared for. The nurses, doctors, and other staff members had become familiar faces over the years, and they knew the family by name. This level of familiarity and personal attention was something that other facilities couldn't offer them.

When Bobby Joe got sick, the family knew he would go to Iredell Memorial Hospital for treatment. They trusted the staff to do everything they could to help him. Despite difficult circumstances, the family was grateful for the kindness and compassion they received. They know that they will continue to go to Iredell Health System for any future medical needs, confident that they will be treated like family again.

If you would like to share your grateful story with the Iredell Health Foundation, please visit iredellhealthfoundation.org/your-stories. To contribute to the Grateful Patients & Families fund to benefit patients in their greatest time of need, please visit the Foundation website at iredellhealthfoundation.org.