H. T. "Tommy" Banks

He was born in Hopewell, VA on April 14, 1931, son of the late Nettie Connor Banks and Vernon Z. Banks.

He grew up in Arapahoe and attended the Arapahoe School graduating in 1949. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean conflict. After attending N. C. State College he was employed by Carolina Telephone as a microwave radio and carrier engineer in the installation department. He was instrumental in establishing the first fiber optic telecommunication system in the Company. He retired with 36 years of service.

He has been a member of Bethany Christian Church in Arapahoe, NC since childhood, except for a few years at First Christian Church in Rocky Mount, NC. He was a Master Mason and a Past Master of Corinthian Lodge in Rocky Mount and Rainbow Lodge in Arapahoe, NC. He enjoyed membership in the Scottish Rite, Shrine and York Rite fraternities of New Bern, NC. He was an Extra Class HAM Radio operator with membership in the Oriental and New Bern Amateur Radio Clubs.

He was preceded in death by his Mother, Father and sister Lillian L. Banks.

Surviving are his wife, Clara Roach Banks of the home; two sons, Vernon Thomas Banks of Chattanooga, TN and James Alan Banks of Washington, DC. A daughter, Debra Lynn Banks of Efland, NC. Three grandchildren, Aubrey Livingston (Josh), Tyler Banks (Nathan), and Scott Banks (Amanda). And four great granddaughters.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, December 31, 2022 at 2:00 pm at the Lakeside Chapel of Greenleaf Memorial Park in New Bern, NC with Rev. Merritt Watson officiating and Masonic Rites by Rainbow Lodge #479, Arapahoe.

Memorials may be made to Bethany Christian Church, Box 156, Arapahoe, NC 28510-0156.