Ricardo Shondell Banks, 42, affectionately known “Cardo/Ricco”. God called his angel home to rest on April 21, 2021. Ricardo was born on October 4, 1978, to Vivian Banks-Trice in Pensacola, Florida. He attended public school in Escambia County, Florida then moved to Virginia in 1991 to continue his education and graduated from Bayside High School in 1997.
Ricardo was a member of Military Sealift Command (MSC). He started his MSC career on December 6, 1999. He served over 21 years working on a variety of ships such as USNS Leroy Grumman, USNS Medgar Evers, USNS Robert Peary, USNS Big Horn, USNS John Lenthal, USNS Laramie, and USNS Niagra Falls. Ricardo was instrumental in helping his friends and family in joining MSC. He played a pivotal role in assisting many shipmates in being promoted within the MSC ranks. He was a mentor to young men near and far. He used his platform to motivate, help, and lend a helping hand to those who needed it, whether he knew you or not. His heart was with the people and his people was his heart.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather his mentor, Elijah Banks, Jr., his paternal grandmother Gussie Ross, and his uncle Dwayne Banks.
He also leaves to cherish his memories are his uncles: Christopher Banks, Michael Banks, Sr of Pensacola, FL, Elijah Banks, III (Maggie) of Panama City, FL; Carl Banks of Virginia Beach, VA. His aunts: Gwendolyn Banks, Latonya Banks, and Kasonia Banks all of Pensacola, Florida. His best friends and special brothers of over 30 years Jermaine Trotman, Teddy Cress, Johnny Speight, Anthony Curlee, Jonah Young, Jose Factor, and Holly Wiggins (Alyssa’s mom). A host of Great Aunts and Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, and Friends.
