John Edward Banks
Greenville Herald Banner
Friday, April 27, 2007
John Edward Banks, 78, of Greenville died April 24, 2007, at Baylor Medical Center of Dallas.
J.E. was born Jan. 21, 1929, to V.T. and Bessie Alice Blankenship Banks. On April 18, 1959, he married the love of his life, Raylene Cooper, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Greenville.
After graduating from the University of Texas, he spent most of his adult life doing accounting work. However, most recently he had been volunteering at the Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville two days a week as a “burgundy man.”
He was also very involved at his church, Wesley United Methodist, and participated in the Altrusa Golden Agers.
J.E. was first and foremost a man of God. He was well liked by many in the community and will be greatly missed.
Survivors are a son, Kevin Banks of Orlando, Fla.; daughters Allison Wooden and husband Brad of Longview and Andrea Lara and husband Jimmy of Greenville.; granddaughters Danielle Wooden of Longview and Hannah Lara of Greenville; a grandson, John Cooper Wooden of Longview; sister Helen Reid of Greenville; and a half sister, Sharon Banks Allen of Plano.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a half sister, Brenda Banks; half brother Tommy Banks; and his loving wife, Raylene.
Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Saturday at Wesley United Methodist Church in Greenville under the direction of Coker-Mathews Funeral Home. Rev. Paul Gould and Rev. Richard Atkinson will officiate. Burial will follow in Forest Park Cemetery.
Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to “The Building a Brighter Tomorrow” building fund at Wesley United Methodist Church.
Pallbearers are John Little, Don Taylor, Glen Steed, Bob Byrd, Charles Sivley and Bill Churchill. Honorary pallbearers are Alvin Chandler, Hewitt Moseley and Weldon Mays.
Submitted by Elaine Nall Bay
