Billy Joe Banks

Reverend Billy Joe Banks, 75, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2021 at the Mary Washington Heath Care Facility in Fredericksburg, VA.

Reverend Banks was born on August 2, 1945. He was the eldest of four children of Charles and Theresa Banks.

Reverend Banks graduated from East Main High School in Lynch KY. He attended Youngstown University prior to enlisting into the US Army on February 2, 1966. He served with distinction earning the National Defense Service Medal, the M-14 Marksmanship Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Metal, The Vietnam Service Medal, and the Overseas Service Stripe Bar. He was honorably discharged on November 4, 1968. He resumed his college education and earned a BA in Human Services from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Masters of Divinity from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA.

Reverend Banks devoted his life to serving others. He worked as a Rehabilitation Counselor and a Supervisor in the Mental Health Outpatient Alcoholism Program in Buffalo and Erie County NY. He also served as a Lutheran Church Pastor in both Buffalo and Jamestown NY. After retiring from the ministry due to health issues, he could frequently be found on his scooter in downtown Fredericksburg, passing out crosses to the homeless.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Theresa Banks; and his son, Nathaniel. He is survived by his wife, Marlys; former wife Shelia Miller; daughter Monica; stepson Kievin; his brother, Samuel (Laura); sisters Charlene Hill (Robert) and Wanda Rose; his uncle, James Huston (Helen); and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial Services will be scheduled for a later date.

Memorial Donations to: Living Waters Luthern Church, 30 Locust Branch Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719.