Willis Banks

Preceding him in death were his parents; his first wife, Lola Whitney Banks and children, Willis Leon, Dewey, Diane Nettles, and Cheryl White.

He was born, raised and lived all his life in York County. In his early teens he joined New Bethel Baptist Church. He retired in 1995 after 34 years with X-36 Dept.-Riggers, Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co.-Huntington Ingalls.

Willis loved farming, fishing, hunting, baseball, and Country music. He always greeted others with a warm smile.

He is survived by his wife, Martha “Annie” Myers Banks; children, Bernadette, Larry, Roosevelt, Judy Spratly (James), Sherlock (Cheryl), Helen and Ellen Banks, Avon Jacobs, O'Neil Combs (Robin), Jerry Combs, Willis Lewis; stepdaughter, Anita Myers; 17 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren; plus multiple relatives and in-laws who loved him.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A celebration of Willis’s life will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, March 25, at New Bethel Baptist Church, 3911 Big Bethel Road, Yorktown, VA 23693. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.