Charles King (C. K.) Binford (1878–1940) was a distinguished graduate of Fisk University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. He was a talented musician and educator. He was the son of H. C. Binford. Mr. Binford was actively involved in community and fraternal organizations. Alongside his father, he traveled to Demopolis and Tuskegee to attend Masonic Grand Lodges.

Charles King (C. K.) Binford (1878–1940), a native of Huntsville, Alabama, was a distinguished graduate of Fisk University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. His sister, Pearl A. Binford, also attended Fisk University. He was a talented musician and educator. C. K. Binford was the son of H. C. Binford, who served as State Grand Master of the Masonic Fraternity in Alabama and was the principal of the City School in Huntsville.

Professor Binford began his teaching career as a music instructor in Jackson, Tennessee. In 1906, he traveled to Boston to complete a special music course before returning to Huntsville to teach music in the fall semester. In January 1907, he and his choral class performed a concert at Lakeside Methodist Episcopal Church, which was well-received by the Huntsville community.

On September 18, 1907, Professor Binford married Carrie C. Parker in Mobile, Alabama. The couple returned to Huntsville shortly after their wedding and celebrated with a breakfast hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hampton. The Binfords welcomed two children, Grace King and Paul Scott, who were christened at their home in 1910 in a ceremony attended by family, friends, and neighbors.

Mr. Binford was actively involved in community and fraternal organizations. Alongside his father, he traveled to Demopolis and Tuskegee to attend Masonic Grand Lodges, where he managed the Burial Department for all Lodges and served on various committees. In 1919, he was appointed to the board of the newly established Negro Board of Trade in Huntsville. Later, in 1932, he was elected treasurer of the general executive committee of African Americans supporting the local Red Cross unit.

In addition to his civic and fraternal commitments, Binford owned and operated the Royal Undertaking Company. In 1939, he successfully defended himself in a $2,500 damage lawsuit, winning the jury's decision in circuit court.

Mr. Binford passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 1940, at the age of 62, at his home on Oak Avenue in Huntsville. Funeral services were held at his residence the following Sunday, honoring his life and contributions to the community.

The Journal (Huntsville, Alabama) Fri., Oct. 1, 1897, Page 3

The Journal (Huntsville, Alabama) Thu, Oct. 10, 1901, Page 3

The Journal (Huntsville, Alabama) Thu, June 26, 1928, Page 3

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The Huntsville Times (Huntsville, Alabama) Thu, Feb 27, 1919, Page 1

The Huntsville Times (Huntsville, Alabama) Mon, Oct 3, 1932, Page 1

The Huntsville Times (Huntsville, Alabama) Fri, Feb 10, 1939, Page 1

The Huntsville Times (Huntsville, Alabama) Thu, Sep 12, 1940, Page 4