Augusta, GA ---Mr. John J. “Jack” Banks, Sr. passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 14, 2017 surrounded by his sons and beloved wife Dorothy “Dot” Bailey Banks.
A memorial graveside service will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Westover Memorial Park with The Reverend Robert Fain officiating.
Mr. Banks was born in Augusta, GA, on May 10, 1928, to Ethel Hawkins Banks and Charles Milton Banks. Jack graduated from the Academy of Richmond County in 1945, where he was the proud recipient of the Sheridan Sabre Award, he was also the most highly honored student in his graduating class. Jack then attended Clemson University, graduating in 1949 with a BA in Chemical Engineering. While there, he played on the football team as a defensive tackle, earning a permanent listing in the Clemson Football Hall of Fame. He then received a BA in Bakers Science from Chicago University before beginning his career with DuPont in 1952. In 1980, Jack moved to Westinghouse where he worked until his retirement in 2007. Jack married his beloved wife Dot in 1964, throughout his life, he referred to her as “the sweetest, kindest and most beautiful woman he had ever seen”. Together they raised six wonderful sons. Jack was a member of the Signal Mountain Country Club, the Camden Country Club and the Augusta County Club. He loved the game of golf and enjoyed playing it with his sons, although often said he was a better teacher than player. Mr. Banks was a member of numerous civic organizations and was a faithful member of the Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his sister, Coral Banks Lyles and his beloved daughter in law, Carol Echols Banks of Atlanta, GA.
Jack is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dot and his sons, Leon C. Banks (Anne), Newberry, SC, John J. Banks, Jr. of Atlanta, GA; Nathaniel B. Banks (Suzanna) of Greenville, SC, William A. Banks (Marsha) of Birmingham, AL, Robert B. Banks of Columbus, GA and Charles M. Banks of Augusta, GA. Jack was also survived by fourteen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Jack’s outstanding caregivers and close family friends Debbie Greaves and Robin Raymond.
The family will greet friends, on Tuesday, following the services at the graveside.
The family suggests, that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in his memory, to the Church of the Good Shepherd, 2230 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904, or charity of your choice.