Banks received his great reward on December 9, 2022 when he went to be with the Lord. Banks leaves here on earth his wife of 53 years, Elainia “Tootsie” Sims; his children, Cassondra Upton (Gene), Tuscaloosa, AL, Alan Sims, Franklin, TN, Angie Weems (Kenneth), Moulton, AL, and J.B. Sims (Paige), Northport, AL; grandchildren, Zachary Upton, Lauren Sims Granger, Robert Weems, John Franklin Weems, John David Nixon, Meri Beth Paul, Hannah Grayce Sims, and Jackson Banks Sims; eight great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and his ever present companion, Domino.
A Celebration of Banks life will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 2:00pm at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Tuscaloosa with Dr. Herb Thomas and Rev. John Scott officiating and burial to follow in Memory Hill Gardens with Memory Hill Funeral Home directing. A visitation will be held before the service from 12:30pm to 2:00pm.
Pallbearers are Zachary Upton, Jackson Sims, Robert Weems, John Powell, Ross Hudson, and Rodney Connell.
Honorary pallbearers Renee and George Robertson, members of Lakewood Baptist Church, friends from Circlewood Baptist Church, staff of Heritage Health Care and Rehab, Oasis Hospice, Ken and Jill Swindle, Dr. Scott Fulgham, and the Tuscaloosa Police Department.
He was preceded in death by his parents, W.B. and Lucile Sims; and sister, Shirley Mendoza.
Banks was born in Lamar County, Alabama on September 19, 1940. He served 35 years with the Alabama National Guard, 25 years with the Tuscaloosa Police Department, and 10 years as bailiff with the Tuscaloosa Municipal Court System. Banks life revolved around his family and his church. When not working Banks enjoyed fishing, camping with friends, playing dominos, and watching Alabama Football. He spent many summers as Camp Host at Lake Lurleen State Park along with his wife, Tootsie. His greatest joy was serving others. He enjoyed cooking while in the National Guard, for his church family on Wednesday nights, and while on youth trips with his children through the years. He chaperoned many youth trips over the years and never missed a chance to embarrass an unsuspecting youth by having the entire restaurant sing “Happy Birthday” to them. Banks led a humble life of honor, strength, and humility. He faced many trials through his life never complaining or questioning why. His unwavering faith carried him when he could not carry himself.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakewood Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5