Ralph Banks

The family of Ralph Banks sadly announces his passing on August 8, 2022.  “Mr. Electro,” a loving name he earned due to his more than 30 years working as an electrician extraordinaire was born to his proud parents, the Late Mr. & Mrs. William and Joeanna Young Banks, Sr., in the Monteocha Community, Gainesville, Florida.  Ralph attended A.L. Mebane High School class of 1971 and graduated from Gainesville High School.  While in high school Ralph played football for the Mebane Hornets and was an outstanding cornerback for the Purple Hurricanes. He served as an airplane mechanic in the United States Air Force, prior to his long-term career as an electrician in Los Angeles, CA; with several electrical companies in Jacksonville; as well as Mid-State Electric Company and Preston Link Electric, Inc.

Being a life-long servant of the Lord, at an early age he joined the Old Jerusalem Missionary Baptist church in Monteocha.  While in Jacksonville, FL, he joined the Greater Mount Salem Baptist Church pastored by his brother the Rev. C.E. Banks.  In Gainesville, he attended Greater Ft. Clark Missionary Baptist Church and served as Sunday School Superintendent.  Ralph was also an active member of the Freemasons

Ralph was a quiet man, gentle, kind, and patient except when watching the Gators.  As an avid GATOR FAN he could get a bit rowdy.

Mr. Banks made a peaceful transition on August 8, 2022, in Gainesville, FL.  He is preceded in death by his parents, twin sister Ruth Banks, William “Jr” Banks (Bessie), Ishman Rowe, Melvin Banks (Melvina), and Mary Frances Banks.

He leaves to cherish his memory his faithful, loving, and devoted companion Ms. Deyawn Wheeler Jackson, Gainesville, FL; Son Raphael Banks, Los Angeles, CA; Daughters Brandi Joeanna Banks, Los Angeles, CA; Audreyonna Banks and her mother Gale, Jacksonville, FL; Special Daughter LaQuinsia Jackson Elliott (Tobias) Atlanta, GA; Granddaughter, Kylah Banks, Los Angeles, CA; special grandchildren Destyni and Jahmal Elliott, Atlanta GA; Siblings:  Sarah Dickerson (Paul) Gainesville, FL, Rev. Charles E. Banks (Jamesetta), and Lucy Banks of Jacksonville, FL; Virgil Banks (Mary) Gainesville, FL; Collette Banks White (Lawrence) Winter Haven, FL. Not to be forgotten are precious in-laws Melvina Howell Banks, Miami, FL; Veronica McCoy (Woodrow), Gregory Priester, and Raheem Muhamad all of Jacksonville, FL; Dwayne Keys, Atlanta, GA; God Daughters Charlene Mills, Jacksonville, FL, Sharhonda Crummer, and Kya Pleasant of Gainesville, FL; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.  In addition, a special friend William “Billie” Russell and the rest of our neighbors on NW 35th Place in the Northridge Sub-Division.

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