William Richard Banks

William R. (Bill) Banks, age 82, passed away on November 8, 2010. Born on July 19, 1928 to the late Laura Beatrice and Charles Banks, Sr., he was a proud 1945 graduate of the Old Knoxville High School. Receiving his Law Degree from the University of Tennessee in 1950, he practiced law in Knoxville for over 50 years, something that he dearly loved. For nearly two decades, he worked with attorney, T. Scott Jones, in the firm Banks and Jones. He was a long- time member of Washington Pike United Methodist Church. As a youth, he was an active member of Emerald Avenue United Methodist Church and in recent years, attended Cokesbury United Methodist Church with his son and family. He was a veteran of the Korean War where he served as an officer with the United Nations War Crimes Commission and was cited for meritorious service. He served his community throughout his life with his involvement and participation in several organizations including the Child and Family Services, the Girls Club of Knoxville and as District Commissioner of the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of the Knox County Election Commission presiding over numerous elections and was involved in the transition from paper ballots to machine voting. He was a member of the Knoxville Elks Lodge where he served as Exalted Ruler and Trustee. As an active and loyal Mason, he was a member of the Burlington Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite and Kerbela Temple in Knoxville. He was elected to the Royal Order of Jesters, Court 57, and served as Director of that Order. He is preceded in death by his wife, Marie, his brothers, Charles Banks, Jr. and Ray Banks, and his sister, Mildred Banks. He is survived by his loving family: daughter and son-in-law, Betsy and Bruce Walker of Atlanta; son and daughter-in-law, David and Dawn Banks of Knoxville; four wonderful grandchildren, Patrick and Sarah Marie Walker of Atlanta and Allie and Emily Banks of Knoxville; brother, John Banks, Sr. and sister, Allene Shipley, both of Knoxville, and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening, November 10th, , from 5:30- 7:30 pm at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. The funeral service will be on Thursday, November 11th ,at 11:00 am at Cokesbury United Methodist Church with Dr. James Bailes and Dr. Steve Sallee officiating with interment following at Lynnhurst Cemetery. The Banks Family wishes to thank the staff at Arbor Terrace Assisted Living and at Shannondale of Maryville Health Care Center for the compassionate care given to their father, grandfather and brother during the last months and weeks of his life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Emerald Youth Foundation, 1718 North Central Street, Knoxville, Tennessee 37917.

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William Richard Banks

July 19, 1928 - November 8, 2010