Harold Ronald Banks Sr.

Harold Ronald Banks, Sr., 85, of Raleigh and Fort Myers, died in faith, hope, and love in Christ on January 21, 2016, at the Inpatient Hospice Care Unit at Shell Point in Fort Myers in the loving presence of his wife of 62 years, Virgie Donathan Banks.

Harold was born on March 1, 1930, in Chambersville, PA to the late Theodore (Ted) and Margaret Buggey Banks. After graduating from the Indiana (PA) High School in 1948, he was honorably discharged from the National Guard in order to enlist in the United States Navy. His Navy career began as Seaman Recruit; the highest enlisted rank achieved was Master Chief. In 1964, as a submariner, due to leadership and expertise in nuclear power operations, engineering, and construction, he was hand-picked by Admiral Hyman G. Rickover for commission, thus becoming a “Mustang” who served his country both as an enlisted and a commissioned sailor. With 21 years of active duty, Harold retired as a Lieutenant.

While stationed in Memphis, Tennessee, Harold met Virgie whom he married on July 22, 1953. They established a Christian home, raised two sons, received five grandchildren, and hosted many friends. In the name of Christ, their home was welcoming to all and often the site of church Bible study groups.

Upon retirement from the Navy, Harold worked for the Carolina Power & Light Company (CP&L, now Duke Power). His 23 years in the electric utility nuclear program located him in Hartsville, SC, Southport, NC, and Raleigh, NC. His skills and leadership were employed as a resident engineer for construction, a general manager of a nuclear power plant, a manager of nuclear generation for three nuclear plants, and as a manager of corporate quality assurance for operation and construction of nuclear power plants.

Retiring again, Harold traveled the country with Virgie. Together they volunteered in a variety of Christian ministries. His mechanical ability made him an invaluable volunteer who could repair or build almost anything. To these abilities, were added the attributes of a genuine Christian character. Harold committed his life to Jesus Christ as a young sailor. Through the subsequent years, he was intentional, while in this life, to prepare for that which he sought after this life: the promise of eternal life in Jesus Christ.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents Ted and Margaret Banks and his sister Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Calhoun and three brothers-in-law, Bill Self, John Calhoun and Ivan Cagle. He is survived by his wife, Virgie; sons: Harold Ronald Banks, Jr. and David A. Banks with his wife Jerri; five grandchildren: Anna McCormick and Justin, Erin Harbinson and Greg, Sarah Banks, Joeli Banks, and Timothy Banks; and five siblings: Mercedes Self, Margaret “Peggy” Cagle, Ted Banks and Connie, and Elaine Banks.

A service of thanksgiving will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2:00 p.m., at the St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 4801 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC, the Reverend Ben Williams presiding. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. Interment with military honors will follow at the Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh. Memorial donations may be offered to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 10666, Raleigh, NC 27605-0666 or to CBN Ministries Operation Blessing, 977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, VA 23463. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.MitchellatRMP.com