Thomas Tommy Warren Wilbanks

Thomas Warren Wilbanks passed away at home Monday, December 27, 2010, at the age of 62. Tommy was born and raised in Bellville, Ga., where he spent many years working with his family's company, Wilbanks Apiaries Inc. Tommy graduated from Georgia Southern College and attended the University of Georgia, where he earned a degree in pharmacy. He enjoyed meeting people throughout his career as a pharmacist and recently retired from Georgia Southern University. Tommy was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church and The Pathfinders Sunday School Class. In addition to his career, Tommy loved spending time with his family. He also had a great passion for the outdoors, including gardening, hunting and most of all, fishing. One of his proudest moments was winning a bass fishing tournament with his nephew, Tim. Tommy will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all that knew him. As a pharmacist, colleague, husband and friend, Tommy impacted many lives with his kind heart and loving manner. He will be missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Vernelle Wilbanks.

Survivors include his wife, Janice Brannen Wilbanks of Statesboro; his daughter, Jessica Wilbanks of Atlanta; his brother, Reg Wilbanks of Bellville; his nephews, Patrick Wilbanks of Statesboro, Tim (Sarah) Wilbanks of Washington, Iowa; stepson, JJ (Amy) Altman; his stepdaughters, Jill (Bill) Vickery, all of Statesboro, Jana (David) Newland of Savannah; his aunt, Emily W. Betts of Claxton; his father-in-law, Lester E. Brannen of Statesboro; his great-niece, nephews and grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Thursday from 9-11 a.m. at Statesboro First United Methodist Church.

The funeral service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at Statesboro First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jimmy Cason and Tim Wilbanks officiating.

Burial will be in Eastside Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Patrick Wilbanks, Tim Wilbanks, Bill Vickery, David Newland, Matt Brown and Dr. Curtis Hames Jr.

Honorary pallbearers will be past and present members of Georgia Southern University Health & Student Services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 2048, Statesboro, Ga. 30459.

Please visit our online memorial at www.hodgesmoore.com to sign the guestbook and share your thoughts and fond memories.

Hodges-Moore Funeral Home of Statesboro is in charge of the arrangements.