Roy Willie Banks

Roy Willie Banks was born March 26, 1929, in Piave, Mississippi to the late Roy Banks and the late Ocie Turner. Roy met Alpha Thames, his wife, while in high school and got married during college. They stayed married for 67 years until the Lord called her home July 9, 2020. During their golden years, they shared a room at Wilson Health Care. From their union came two children -Roy Andre Banks and Alpha Teresa Banks Blair. Roy was preceded in death by his son Roy Andre Banks, sister Georgia Lee Banks, sister Benny Dale Banks Douglas, sister Mary Lee Banks Spates Jackson, brother Edward Eugene Banks, nephews Ronald Spates, Lambert Moore, Daryl Jones, Dedry Jones, Eugene Banks and godmother Mary T Ward. Roy was the Great Grandson of Wesley Banks, a member of the Union Army70th and 71st Regimen of the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. Roy matriculated at Lanier Junior High School, and graduated from Jim Hill High School, in Jackson Mississippi. While in High School he worked alongside his mother at Golden Crust Bakery to assist her and provide additional income for the family. He joined the Army and served his country as a wartime veteran during the Korean War and was station in Germany. Utilizing the GI Bill Roy received a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a Minor in Physics from Tougaloo College. In 1954 he joined the faculty of Magnolia High School in Moss Point, Mississippi where he taught mathematics for 14 years. During the 1960’s Roy spent his summers at Alcorn College participating in National Science Foundation sponsored research. Interestingly, the Crosby Lumber Yard and Sawmill Camp where Roy was born, supplied lumber downstream to the then Ingalls Shipyard (now Northrup Gruman)) in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Roy would later be employed at Northrup Gruman as an Industrial Engineer for over 20 years. In addition to being a long-time member of St Peter’s the Apostle Catholic Church in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Roy joined Holy Family Catholic Church after relocating to Temple Hill, MD. Later he relocated to South Los Angeles California to become the caretaker of his elder mother, he worshiped at St. Brigid Catholic Church. Roy served as a board member for Our Lady of Victories Catholic High School in Pascagoula. As an Educator he was concerned about the welfare and future life options of his students. Roy was loved and highly respected by former students and viewed as a counselor, mentor, motivator and friend. Many continue to say he was instrumental in their life, educational and career choices. Former students-maintained contact with him throughout his life, even up to the moment of his transition into eternity. Former neighbors described him being a loyal, and a good friend. Many residents of Jackson County Mississippi remember his enjoyment of being a Bass Fishermen which led to him being one of the founding members of the Bass Fishermen Club.

Tributes

Roy Willie Banks

March 26, 1929 - July 18, 2022