Robert Kevin Banks

Born March 24, 1959, in Belle Glade, Florida, Bob was a “muck baby,” as children birthed near Lake Okeechobee were called, and he seemed to have the black soil of that region running in his blood. Bob was a Florida Cracker first and an American second, who delighted in tracing his roots back through the Bumby family to the 19th century pioneer days of Orange County, Florida. He was a regular presenter at the annual Pine Castle Pioneer Days festival.

Among a group of people known for being obnoxious fanatics — Florida Gator fans — Bob was a standout. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal and Meat Sciences. He served as vice president of the Block & Bridle Club, was a member of UF’s Agriculture Council and played on the club rugby team.

After earning his UF degree, Bob returned to his Cracker roots, working for P.R.I.D.E. in Arcadia and Starke, Florida, where he honed his horse-riding and bullwhip-cracking skills while managing a herd of 2,000 cattle for three years. He returned to UF as an abbatoir technician and USDA inspector. Bob boasted that if it had four legs and hooves, he had killed it, butchered it and eaten it.

That prepared him for a seven-year stint as a Senior Biological Scientist at the UF’s College of Medicine Gastroenterology Department. He then taught agriculture at Evans High School in Orlando for several years before beginning a nearly 25-year career developing and managing multiple research facilities, including a transgenic greenhouse, at the University of Central Florida. Bob was planning to retire as UCF Associate Director of Research Program Services in June 2025.

Bob was active in Save Orange County, a political action committee promoting responsible development in the Orlando area. He once employed his notorious stubbornness to stay at a public meeting until 3 a.m. for a chance to share his opinion with his fellow citizens and local politicians.

Bob Banks is survived by his wife, Emily, daughter Jennifer Banks, son Bo (Nikki) Banks, brother Buck Banks, sisters Robbin Brophy and René Fields; stepchildren Chad (Angela) Johnson; Robyn (Barry) Keys; Graham (Carla) Johnson; grandchildren Jaylee Atwater and Christopher Pyburn; Tyler, Quin and Bryden Johnson; Maddilyn Johnson Carlton; Garrett and Darien Keys; Chloe, Griffin, and Jake Johnson; and great-grandson Samuel Johnson.

Family members say Bob was the glue that held the disparate Banks and Bumby clans together. He was a big man who leaves a big hole in many lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Future Farmers of America (www.ffa.org) or to the Roland W. Banks Jr. Student Emergency Gift Vet Medicine c/o AUF, PO Box 3140 Auburn AL 36831.

A celebration of Bob Banks’ life is planned for March 29, 10 a.m., at the Oviedo Amphitheater & Cultural Center, 357 Center Lake Lane, Oviedo FL 32765.