Ernest Guy "Nek-Bone Blues" Banks

Ernest will be forever remembered for his genuine character, and great knowledge. He was an astute man that loved sharing his education and experiences with others as his way of being an example of a leader. He loved helping others, pondering solutions for almost every problem, and never considered anyone a stranger. Among his favorite pastimes, music and art were his passion, hence his proclaimed nickname "Nek-Bone Blues" he gained by playing in bands himself. A classy man, he owned beautiful murals, paintings, pottery, and a classic list of great music artists in his collection, In his heart he surely enjoyed musicians of mature genres such as B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, and Lionel Richie to name a few. Music, his drums, harmonica, and guitar were the majority of his therapy. He played anywhere from home to shows around the South, especially in Mississippi where he moved back to retire there for years before spending his last year of life again with his family here in Alabama. He enjoyed the opportunities to discuss life goals, entrepreneurship, storytelling, along with telling the best jokes, and being a great cook.

In his earlier life, he accomplished a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University in Chemistry, and continued to graduate school to study medicine with plans to become a physician. Life took a different route than medicine, leading him into the construction and business world instead where he became very successful as an entrepreneur of several entities, and reached financial peaks that many others in life could only aspire to achieve, like being a two-time millionaire, but with great humility. He remained humble, resilient and buoyant during times where his ventures that were not as successful occurred, passing those significant traits along to his family. No one ever knew the differences of his rise or fall as he kept his cool flair nevertheless.

Ernest believed in the good Lord Jesus Christ, and confessed his faith and knowledge in Christ. He was still fully aware and verbal in his confession of his faith in his latter sick days here on earth.

He leaves to cherish his legacy his wife Mary Baker Roden, Gadsden, AL; six children: Jennifer "Fur" Banks, North Carolina, Brittany Latoya (Chris McLaurin) Baker Birmingham, AL, Ernest Brandon Banks Birmingham, AL, Ashley Brianna (Wendell Young) Banks Oxford, AL, Justan (Tia) Banks Huntsville, AL, Courtney S. Banks Oxford, AL; four stepchildren: Angela Lee Baker, Bobby L. (Jacqueline) Baker, Jr., Cheryl Baker Jenmi, all of Gadsden, AL and DeJuan (Tiffany) Baker Columbia, South Carolina. He also leaves to cherish his legacy to the significant mothers of his children Cynthia (Udo) Geesken, Oxford, AL, and Polly Banks, of AL; one sister, Vicky Lynn (Kenneth) Lambert, two brothers Joe Banks, TN, and the late Eddie Banks, Sylacauga, AL, stepdad Oliver "Bobo" Kendrick Sylacauga, AL, an uncle Mack Banks, MS; three granddaughters Ashlynn Twyman, Aydan Twyman of Oxford, AL, and Kyleigh Nicole Banks, Meridian, MS; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many good friends.