George Banks Jr.

George W. Banks, Jr. was born on August 17, 1939 in Charleston, West Virginia to the late George W. Banks, Sr. & Dorothy E. Oliver. His childhood years and early education were achieved in Besoco and Harwood, WV. He graduated from Byrd Prillerman High School of Amigo, WV in 1957.

After graduation, George enlisted into the United States Army, where he served an active duty tour, and continued in the US Army Corps reserves for several additional years. On April 15, 1960 George married his leading lady from high school, Alfreda D Banks. They relocated to East Orange, NJ and he began work in Freda’s family's business, Ruth’s Bakery & Restaurant, as a dish washer and bakers assistant.

In 1964, after several years at the bakery, he moved on to become a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Caldwell, NJ. The birth of his four girls put he and Freda in need of a much larger dwelling. The family home was then purchased in Plainfield, NJ and George transferred to the post office there, where he became affectionately nicknamed by the neighborhood kids as, “Mr. Postman”.

George was an owner/operator truck driver for several years before he began working at Johnson & Johnson Personal Products. When his plant relocated, he and Freda also relocated to Virginia. George's final working gig before retirement was, "Mr. School Bus Driver” with the Hampton City School district. He was a member of Sharon Baptist Church where he also served in the bus ministry.

George enjoyed fishing and reading; he could always be found with a book in-hand or in his back pocket. While seemingly quiet and reserved, he was humorous and enjoyed a good laugh. The Banks family home was the neighborhood hangout for many adults and children alike, because all were welcomed with loving kindness, refuge, a good meal, and even a glass of Kool-Aid. We are amazed at the many tears & testimonies of the love, learning, and friendship shared, whether from "Mr. Banks," "Mr. George," or "Pops."

George entered into his final rest on December 31, 2020. He is survived by his daughters, Vanessa Dixson (Raymond), Teresa Belgrave, Sharon Banks and Alfreda LaCroix; grandchildren, Tiffanie Belgrave, Bridgett LaCroix, Valentine Belgrave (Misty), Isaac Dixson (Virronica), Kelly Collier (David), Angel Wright (Vance), Keysha Edwards (Sidaro), Kenneth Belgrave, Daniel Dixson, Joi Dixson and Ruby Cockett; great-grandchildren, Jamya Joffrion, Xiare Amaker, Elijah, Valeia & Isaiah Dixson, Amir Aghali, Malia & Rick Belgrave, Amari & Sierra Edwards; Mason Wright; siblings, Claretta West, Joyce Ann Gilbert, Christal Jones and David Jones, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Link to watch Celebration of Life Memorial Service for George W. Banks Jr.:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D4meDvMwQ4&feature=youtu.be