James Raymond Bankston

James Raymond (Ba Ba) Bankston was born at home in Ty Ty, GA on November 5, 1939, to Horace O. Bankston and Dollie (Shiver) Bankston. The sixth of seven children, Raymond grew up working on a farm and graduated from Sumner High School in 1958.

Shortly after graduation, Ray moved to Macon, GA and began his 63-year career in the optical industry. He met Linda Cromer at church one Sunday night, and together they began writing their love story. They were married on July 31, 1960, and soon welcomed their two children, Randy and Janet.

Ray’s career took him from Macon, GA to Columbus, GA to Birmingham, AL, and eventually to Atlanta, GA, where he started his own wholesale optical company, Custom Labs, in 1981. His tireless work ethic, knowledge and experience, and passion for customer service brought him success, awards, and recognition throughout his industry. After selling Custom Labs, Ray finished his career with Robertson Optical in Loganville, GA, where he proudly worked full time until the age of 82.

In his spare time, Ray loved tending his garden, giving tractor rides to his grandchildren, enjoying the occasional cruise with loved ones, pulling mischievous pranks on unsuspecting family members, friends, and coworkers, and helping anyone in need at any time. Ray seized every opportunity to serve others and had a joyful energy that was contagious. He was always ready with a joke or story for anyone who needed to smile. Although coming from humble beginnings, he had the confidence to loosely hold everything he possessed—continuously demonstrating generosity and compassion for family, friends, and strangers alike. Ray was a member of Peoples Baptist Church in McDonough, GA for 28 years and lived with a quiet confidence in his heavenly Father’s love for him that blessed everyone he knew.

On May 21, 2022, following a brief battle with cancer, Ray took his final breath on earth, followed by his first breath in Heaven.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Dollie Bankston; siblings, Royce Bankston and Carolyn (Bankston) Willis; and his best friend and brother-in-law, Woodie Chapman.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Linda; son, Randy (Shirley) Bankston of Locust Grove, GA; daughter, Janet (Robert) Riley of Jacksonville, FL; six grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; siblings; and many extended family members, loving neighbors, and lifelong friends.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 25, at Haisten Funeral Home in McDonough, GA, with family greeting friends from 5-8pm. A Homegoing Celebration Service will be held at 11am on Thursday, May 26, at the same location. A graveside service and interment will follow on Saturday, May 28, at 2pm at the Damascus Church Cemetery in Ty Ty, GA.

Flowers are accepted or donations can be made in Ray’s memory to new-eyes.org or Peoples Baptist Church, 850 Mill Rd., McDonough, GA 30253 or Damascus Cemetery Fund (care of Damascus United Methodist Church Ty Ty, Ga)