Henry Clay Banks

Henry “Hank” Clay Banks…… On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Henry, affectionately known as Hank to his family and friends, peacefully made his transition into eternal life at Doctors’ Community Hospital. Henry was surrounded by his family and friends and supported by his faith and strength in God. Henry was preceded in death by his parents Estel Clay Banks and Irene Allen Banks, eldest brother William L. Banks, eldest sister Dorothy M. Banks Kyle, mother-in-law Mary E. Reddick and brother-in- law Ricky Reddick. Henry was very courageous and handled his illness with such grace, humility and gratitude. Henry never complained and was always thankful for each day and all support. Henry was born on October 8, 1943, in Grayson County, Virginia. He was the youngest of five children. Coincidentally, he shared his birthday with his eldest sister, born several years earlier. Henry accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age while attending Mount Zion Baptist church and was baptized in Independence, Va. Henry graduated from Scott Memorial High School in Wytheville, Va. With a passion for learning he furthered his education after his military service, and graduated from the American University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. In 1984, he earned a Certificate of Achievement in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Va. and graduated from the FBI National Academy, United States Department of Justice. Henry served in the U.S. Army from January, 1962 until January 1965. His desire to help others and with the encouragement of Dr. Peola Jackson led him to join the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), on May 24, 1965. Henry was a loyal, devoted employee and served the District of Columbia for 27 years and returned as a Senior Police Officer for 14 years. During his tenure he served various units within MPD. He began his career working at Morals Division (undercover) in the Gambling and Liquor Narcotics Division and later moved to the Second District uniform patrol as a school resource officer. Next, he was assigned to the Training Academy as a recruit training officer. In 1978 he was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to the First District as patrol field supervisor. He then returned to the training Academy as a training supervisor and instructor and assisted with the following duties: Recruit Training Operations, Senior Officer Training Programs, Drivers’ Training, CPR and First Responder Triage. On January 1, 1985 Henry was promoted to Lieutenant. He was assigned to the Seventh District Administrative Office until 1990. He was later assigned to MPD Community Relations Division and remained there until his retirement on February 21, 1992. After a meeting with Chief Ponton and Deputy Chief Joyce F. Leland and careful consideration, Henry returned to MPD in 1993, as a Senior Police Officer (SPO) and served in various administrative capacities: Administrative Assistant for the Director of Youth and Family Services Division, Administrative Assistant for the Commander of Patrol Services North, Administrative Assistant for the Office of The Chief of Police (Charles Ramsey), Administrative Assistant for Director of Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR, Chief Ponton), and served as a coordinator for MPD Force Investigation Team (FIT) and the Department of Justice. He served for 14 years before resigning in fall of 2007. Henry maintained a desire to work and after a brief meeting with Mr. Al Kelly in 2014, he took on the assignment as Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer for the Metropolitan Police Relief Association (MPRA). He served in this position until July 15, 2024, when he stepped down due to his health issues. However, he continued to help out as needed. Henry understood the importance and value of volunteering; he committed his time and took joy in assisting the Police Federal Credit Union (PFCU), Chairman of the Supervisory Committee, Board member, Association of Retired Police Officer (AORP), Trustee, and 2D Reflection in Blue,Treasurer. He was also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Corvette Club, and the Muscle Club. In 2015, Henry met the love of his life, Michelle Reddick, a retired Metropolitan Police Officer. To mark a new chapter in their lives, they tied the knot on December 4, 2019, beginning their union on the date of their first date. During Henry’s illness Michelle carried out her vows to the fullest. She never left Henry's side and cared for him unconditionally. Henry was an amazing and trustworthy husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was loved deeply by family and friends. Family was everything to him and that was evident, because he didn’t miss many family gatherings. His son Maurice “Mo” and daughter Tracey, grandchildren Ellis, Dani, Zora, Gwendolyn, and Kass were the light of his life. Whenever Henry spoke of his son, daughter and grandchildren he would light up with such joy and exuberance. Henry was a life-long fan of sports. His favorite sport was football. He was a diehard Washington Commanders (Redskins) season ticket holder. Henry enjoyed attending and watching the Commanders games. He also loved deer hunting during the holiday with family and friends in Virginia and whenever the opportunity presented itself, he would join his Corvette friends for a trip to Carlisle, Pa. for the Corvette car show. Henry leaves us a legacy of love and beautiful memories. He leaves to cherish his memories: a loving and devoted wife, Michelle Reddick Banks; two children from his earlier marriage to Querida McLendon Banks, son: Henry Maurice Banks (spouse Amy, daughters Zora and Gwendolyn Banks) and daughter: Tracey Lynnette Banks (children Ellis and Danielle Coan); two step-sons: DeAndre Powell (son Kass Powell) and Michael Powell; two sisters: Ruby Burgin and Janice Stultz; father-in-law: John C. Reddick Sr.; three sisters-in-law: Genester Powell (spouse Joseph), Wendy Hall, and Natasha Perarson (spouse Reginald); one brother-in-law John C. Reddick Jr.; God daughter Kim Burgin Douglas (spouse John) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, friends and co-workers. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation in memory of Henry C. Banks to support Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma research conducted by Dr. Sima Rozati at Johns Hopkins University. Thank you for honoring Henry in this meaningful way. To make a contribution you can direct gifts to our secure website or they can be sent to our office. To make a gift online: The secure Dermatology giving page can be found here: https://secure.jhu.edu/form/derma On the drop down menu select: Other In the designation box: In memory of Henry Banks to support Dr. Sima Rozati. To send in a check: Checks should be made payable to: Johns Hopkins University Mail the check to: Fund for Johns Hopkins Medicine Department of Department 550 N Broadway Suite 701B Baltimore, MD 21205 Attention: Christie Vera

Tributes

Henry Clay Banks

October 8, 1943 - February 4, 2025