William Hardie Banks

William Hardie Banks, Sr., age 100, was born September 28, 1914 in Greenville, MS and passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2015, after a brief illness. Hardie graduated from Mississippi State University, earning a BS degree in Agricultural Engineering. It was there that he met his future wife, Jean. Their long-distance relationship spanned the Pacific Ocean from Drew, Mississippi to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Captain William Hardie Banks married Jean Carter Hitch on October 28, 1944, while on a short leave from the war. Hardie proudly served his country, beginning with his tour at Pearl Harbor, as a Lieutenant, fresh out of college. His military service continued for 25 more years, both on active duty and as a reservist, retiring as a Colonel. A true representative of the 'greatest generation,' he was a kind, gentle man beloved by many. His wry sense of humor and booming laugh endeared him to all of us. He spent decades in business in New Orleans, retiring at the age of 84, though it's questionable that he ever really retired! Hardie was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jean Hitch Banks; his parents, Nell Mead Banks and Paul William Banks; sister, Nell Banks White; brother, Paul Banks; son-in-law, Gerald Wayne Curtis, Jr. and infant daughter, Paula Jean Banks. He is survived by his brother, Charles Mead Banks of Tampa, FL; daughters, Donna Banks Curtis and Deborah Banks Stemac (Greg); son, William Hardie Banks, Jr. (Madeleine); grandchildren, Erin DeLoach (Roger), Robert Vaughn (Christiann), Zachary Vaughn (Morgan), Collin Stemac, Carlise Galmiche (Tre'), Paul Banks (Milan), Alexander Banks and Nicholas Banks; great-grandchildren, Grayson, Avery, Marigny, Harrison, Andrew, Beatrice and Hardie. He is also survived by constant companion and ever-vigilant Golden Retriever, Sassy. Our family wishes to extend a very special 'thank you' to Hardie's care-givers, Raynetta Franklin, Johnnie Hawkins, Kathy Owens, Elma Lloyd, Sheila Russel, and Melvin Pierre. These 'angels' in our eyes were a loving and tireless source of comfort, care and well-being for our entire family. So, it is to them that we owe our deepest gratitude. Visitation will be at 3 PM, followed by a memorial service at 4 PM on Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that those wishing to honor Hardie, consider a memorial gift to Shreveport Green, 3525 Southern Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71104 or to the Wounded Warrior Project.