Jesse H Banks

Mr. Jesse Hill Banks set sail on his final voyage to Heaven on 09/30/2022 @ 12:05 pm. Jesse was born the eldest of eight children born to Paul Lewis, Sr. & Lillie Hagans Banks in Lenior County on 01/11/1924. Growing up he farmed in the Moss Hill area until joining the U.S. Navy during WWII. He served on the USS SC-1022 sub chaser and served in the Engine Room as Head Mechanic. He was extremely proud of learning all he could and keeping the ship smooth sailing.

Coming home from the war, he worked as a mechanic and as a route delivery for Coca-Cola Company for 10 yrs. In 1957, he began his career with Federal Paper Board at the New Bern Woodyard. In 1973, he was transferred to the Black Creek Woodyard because of his experience and in-depth knowledge working with the facility’s pulpwood slasher. After 11 years at Black Creek, he was transferred to supervise operations at the chip mill in Moncure. Jesse retired from Federal Paper Board in August of 1988. Moving his wife and himself back to New Bern to be near family. He soon started working at Rose’s Department Store until they closed. He took such good care of his wife during her long illness and was so devoted to her.

Jesse and Dorothy Jefferson were married 05/11/1974 where Jesse taught us that there was no step in a family. He inherited 2 grown children and a feisty teenager along with a beloved live in mother-in-law that he adored.

Mr. Banks is preceeded in death by his parents: Paul Lewis, Sr and Lillian Hagans Banks; siblings - Paul Lewis Banks, Jr; Elizabeth Banks Jones; Carlton Bryan Banks; Franklin Delano Banks; Joseph Lathan Banks and a baby sister. His beloved wife Dorothy Jefferson Banks passed away in 2008.

Surviving is sibling Ruth Banks Moore; Children - Donna Sandvig (Glenn); James B. Canady Jr.; Paula C. Coker (Bobby). Grandchildren Rachel, Audrey, Jessica, James B. III, Paige, Andrew and Bryce. Great grandchildren - Carter, Harper, Carolina, Gracelyn, Ainsley and Kennedy. Jesse has a large family consisting of many nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.

Jesse loved playing golf and his biggest compassion was participating in golf tournaments to support the Shriner’s Children Hospital in Greenville, SC. Jesse loved participating in the annual Shriner’s Fish Fry. On any Friday you could find him cooking up a large kettle of fish stew for his crew at the woodyard and all the truckers and salesmen. He was a prankster by heart.

He was well known for his beautiful flowers throughout his yard and beamed with pride when someone would stop by to compliment him.

Honorary Pallbearers Grandson- James B. Canady III; Nephews – John V. Jones; Thomas Banks; Walter Banks; David Banks.

Jesse’s last wish was to donate his body to the Brody School of Medicine for the neurological research to hopefully help any further family members and others understand and hopefully find a cure.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the NC State Veterans Home in Kinston and to the Pruitt Health Hospice Team for all they did.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you made a donation in Jesse Banks’ honor to:

Pruitt Health Hospice Foundation

2313 Executive Circle

Suite A

Greenville, NC 27834

Shriner’s Children Hospital

950 West Saris Rd

Greenville, SC 29605

Or a Love Offering to your church.

We would like to thank everyone who over the past few years took the time to send him a card, call him, or stop by for a visit. He held onto every card he had ever received.

Service will be held:

Tabernacle Baptist Church

616 Broad St

New Bern, NC 28560

With the Dr. Scott Gleason, Senior Pastor

11/19/2022

Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until 2:00 with the family.

Service will start at 2:00 pm.