Charles Clarence Banks, Sr., 89, of Battle Creek, peacefully entered into eternal life on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at his home of 55 years. He was born February 24, 1929 in Fosters, AL to Marshall and Emma (Weatherspoon) Banks. He married Margene Knox on September 28, 1952 in Tuscaloosa, AL. They built a loving family, and enjoyed 61 years of marriage until Margene’s passing. Charles was a master floor finisher, who spent 34 years of his career at Battle Creek Tile and Mosaic, from which he retired. He was a proud union member who completed numerous artisan tile projects throughout MI; including the Y-Center and Northwestern Middle School swimming pools. Upon special request, he returned to work briefly after retirement to provide expertise and facilitate a special tile project at the new Calhoun County Justice Center. Charles was a longtime active member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, where he often volunteered his time. He also was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed fishing, landscaping, planting and tending to his legendary, bountiful gardens and fruit trees. He loved to barbeque and was known for his impeccable grilling skills. Charles loved classic cars and used his exceptional mechanical abilities to rebuild and restore them. Also, he enjoyed watching sports, and western classics. His greatest joy was caring for, mentoring, and spending time with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews, plus visiting with family and friends, all of which he cherished.
He is survived by his children Brenda Banks, Charles Banks, Jr., Phyllis (Robert) Banks-Smith, Ronald (Deborah) Banks, Kimberly Allen, and Charles (Veretta) Barnes; sisters, Emma Jean (James) Luvert, Betty (Robert) Williams, and Mary Francis Jones; sisters-in-law, Barbara Banks, Betty Ruth Banks; and brother-in-law, Earlie B. Rice; 16 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and a host of close relatives, friends, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Margene Banks; and siblings, John T. Banks, Edward (Mary) Banks, Roosevelt Banks, Marshall (Claudine) Banks, Jr., Rosemary Wilson, Virgil (Inez) Banks, Sr., Margaret Rice, Walter Banks, Sr., Barbara Jean (Eugene) Cummings, and Gladys Mathis.
Visitation will be held Saturday, April 7, 2018, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, with funeral services to follow at 12:00 PM, officiated by Rev. Timothy Troxler. Burial will be at the Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens in Battle Creek, MI. Memorial tributes may be made to the Bronson Diabetic Educational Fund.