Joe Wesley Banks Jr.

Born August 26, 1957 in Swannanoa, North Carolina to the late Joe and Estella Banks. The thirteenth of the fourteen Banks children, the Baby Boy, Junior. He was a long time resident of Punta Gorda, Florida where he worked and raised his family. Joe was an employee of Babcock Ranch for the past 45 years, and was planning his retirement this Summer. He was a hard working man who gave his life to working the cattle and land of Babcock Ranch. He worked the cattle on the back of a horse, one of those original Florida Crackers to then plowing fields maintaining the land and control burning. His career was his passion. He was an Avid Hunter of Florida’s wildlife from deer, hogs to the osceola turkey. He enjoyed taking others out on a hunt and spent many days guiding them on their hunts to their own trophy mounts. His love for the outdoors, wildlife, animals and land kept him at Babcock Ranch, where he raised his two children Abby and Joey, Instilling in them the same passion and love for the land and animals.

Mr. Banks leaves behind his wife of 41 years Cheryl, who also shares the love of animals and enjoyed turkey hunting trips with him. His Children Abby and Joey (Elissa), His only grandson Conner. He loved being Papaw.

Mr. Joe as most called him was a man of few words but a book of knowledge. He leaves behind many friends and extended family. His siblings call him Junior and remaining to cherish memories of him are his sisters Linda Sue, Ruby, Lois, Gail, Betty, Alice, Sister in Love Frances, brothers Paul and John and countless nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be joining his other siblings who preceded him in death Ruth, Fred, Judy, Ernest, and James.

Joe Wesley Banks Jr, Husband, Father, Papaw, Brother, Friend, Steward of the land, caller of the turkeys will be laid to rest at Mountain View Memorial Park in Black Mountain, North Carolina with his parents April 5th. Harwood Home for Funerals & Cremation Services will be assisting the family. Visitation will be held Saturday April 5th at 1 pm at Harwood’s, Service to follow at 2 pm. Burial will follow at Mountain View. A Celebration of life will be held in Punta Gorda at a later time.