Joseph Linwood Bingler, 86, of Charlottesville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 20, 2017. Joe rejoined his wife, Betty Jane Ennis Bingler, who passed away in 2010.

Joe was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, on January 16, 1931, to the late Willie Russell and Florence Maupin Bingler.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Waverly Bickers, Mildred Delozier, and Alice Eades; and three brothers, William "Peanut", Hugh, and Johnny Bingler.

He is survived by his three loving daughters, Karen Nelson (Steve), Melissa Bingler, and Joanna Clark (Chris); eight grandchildren, Katie Nelson Marsh (Bradley), Charlotte Nelson, Joseph Nelson, Bryce Tingley, Ann Wyatt Bingler, Alexandra Clark, Caroline Clark, and Ashley Clark; and a great-grandson, Augie Marsh. He is also survived by two brothers, James "Monk" and David Bingler.

Joe spent nearly his entire life in Charlottesville, Virginia. He began his education at Venable Elementary, was a star athlete at Lane High School and went on to run track and field and play football at the University of Virginia. Upon graduation from the University of Virginia as part of the ROTC program, Joe joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Knox where he rose to 1st Lieutenant.

After his service concluded, he returned to his hometown and began his illustrious career as an educator and coach. He always taught his players the value of character and commitment and worked hard to bring teams together during the height of integration and the Civil Rights Movement. The pinnacle of his coaching career was the famous 53-game winning streak at Lane High School from 1962 to 1967. He was a fantastic football and baseball coach who is remembered fondly by his players. He was the first Athletic Director at Western Albemarle, and helped create and cultivate their athletic programs.

Following his retirement he went into real estate with Kirtley Realty and Century 21, and for years he could be heard doing the color of the Friday night game of the week and seen volunteering with the Falcon Club. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, coach, and mentor. He never met a stranger and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the greater Charlottesville community.

The family will receive friends from 4 until 6 p.m. on Friday, November 24, 2017, at Cherry Avenue Christian Church, 1720 Cherry Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903. A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 25, 2017, at Cherry Avenue Christian Church. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you support your local sports community or make a donation to the Falcon Club, P.O. Box 1353, Charlottesville, VA 22902 or www.thefalconclub.com.

Condolences may be shared at www.kygers.com.

Submitted by Sue Critzer Hughes.