Gordon Banks

O. Gordon Banks, age 80, passed away after battling cancer for almost five years. Gordon left this world peacefully on September 5, 2016 and was welcomed into the arms of his Heavenly Father. Pain and tears have been replaced with eternal peace and joy!

Gordon was born in New Bern to Mildred Tyson Banks and Otis M. Banks. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Patricia “Pat” Watson Banks; his daughter Amy Banks Elliott, son-in-law Don, son Kevin Glen Banks, daughter-in-law Dana, and beloved grandchildren Tyson Elliott, Erin Elliott, Abigail Banks, and Carson Banks.

Gordon was a graduate of Cary High School, class of 1954 and UNC-Chapel Hill, class of 1958-Go Heels! After leaving UNC, Gordon attended OCS and entered the US Navy serving on the USS Kemper County LST854 in San Diego. In 1961 he entered submarine school in Groton, CT and served on the USS Redfin out of Norfolk, VA. He retired from USNR with the rank of Captain.

After active duty Navy, Gordon began a very successful 35 year career in Association Management in the Washington D.C. area. He retired in 2001 and returned to Cary, where he immediately became active in the First Baptist Church, chairing a Habitat for Humanity building project, singing in the choir and substitute teaching for T.H.A.T. Class. He was active in the local Tarheel Base of Submarine Veterans of NC. He served as Base Commander, organized the submarine singers, and delighted in singing with them.

Gordon was an ordained deacon, and a faithful, active member serving the Lord in each Baptist church wherever he and Pat lived. He was a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of the Shrine.

A visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, September 9, 2016 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary. Burial will be private in Wake Memorial Park in Cary. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 10, 2016 at First Baptist Church in Cary, followed by a reception at the church.

Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be made to the Choir Fund, First Baptist Church Cary, 218 S. Academy St. Cary, NC 27511, or Deaf Missions 21199 Greenview Rd. Council Bluffs, IA 51503.

Condolences to www.brownwynnecary.com