John Henry Banks fondly known as “Paul”, “Johnny Mac” and “PaPa” was born on September 15, 1939 to the late John and Elizabeth Banks and departed this life on February 23, 2023. He was baptized at Parrish Hill Baptist Church at an early age and attended his church until his health began to fail.
Paul attended Charles City County public schools and graduated from Ruthville High School. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1963 and was honorably discharged in 1965. After serving his country, he was employed by the Southern Railroad Company (CSX). He later began employment at the Naval Weapons Station (NWS) in Yorktown, Virginia. He retired from the NWS on July 6, 1993 after being employed for 27 years. Throughout those years, he received several awards for his superior and faithful service.
Paul’s favorite pastime from sunup to sundown was watching Fox News. He loved ice cream, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Captain D’s. In his earlier years, he loved to hunt, fish and ride around in his black, red striped Ford F150. Also in his earlier years, he was known for entering a room filled with family and friends saying ‘HEY, HEY”. He would clap his hands, jump back and do a small karate kick. Imagine that!!!! But most of all, he was kindhearted, loved his family and would do anything for them. He never missed giving gifts to family members during the Christmas holidays, birthdays, graduations or any special occasion.
Paul was preceded in death by his longtime companion and best friend, Viola Green; four brothers, Nathaniel, James, Phillip and George Banks; two sisters, Julia Adkins and Rosa Brown. He leaves to cherish his memories, three loving and devoted brothers William (Marion), Ronald (Voshella) and Edward Banks, Sr. (Ella); three additional sisters-in-law, Doris, Carolyn and Beatrice Banks; two children-at-heart, William Green (Sherry) and Felecia Green Hicks (Ricky); three grandchildren-at-heart, Jamie Green, Jennifer Green Caldwell and Brian Hicks; two great grandchildren-at-heart, Darnell Caldwell, Jr. (DJ) and Khloe Brand; one aunt, Louise Bell, several nieces, one devoted, Darlene Adkins, nephews, cousins and friends.
A funeral service will be held 12Noon Thursday, March 2, 2023, at Vincent Funeral Home, Providence Forge, VA. A viewing will be held from 10AM-12Noon just prior to the service. Interment to follow at the Parrish Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
