Billy Joe Banks Sr.

He attended school in Navasota and graduated from George Washington Carver High School in 1969. Immediately after graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he was trained as an Anti-Tank Assaulter (Infantry). He was immediately deployed to fight the war in Vietnam and attained the rank of Corporal (E-4). Billy received an honorable discharge in 1972 for completion of his service to this nation and relocated to Houston, TX.

After briefly working in the medical center and attending Texas Southern University, Billy applied to become a police officer with the Houston Police Department. He was selected and entered HPD Academy Class #66 in June 1975. After his academy training, his first assignment was patrolling the streets of Northeast Houston. He would later complete a rotation as a dispatcher and then he transferred to the Narcotics Division where he worked undercover and plain clothes assignments for several years. Ultimately, he found his home in the HPD Special Operations Division where he worked for over 20 years. He was known as a hard worker that loved to run calls and he especially loved working traffic accidents.

Billy met his future wife Dianna in 1979 and from this union was born, Billy Joe Banks Jr. Dianna was already a mother to Marc, Tangela and Margo and they raised their children together as a family. Billy Sr. retired in 2008 after 34 years of service to the citizens of Houston. During this time, he focused on retirement and caring for his health and the health of his wife. She was called to be with the Lord on November 9, 2012. In 2019, Billy found love again and married Deirdre Augusta who he would spend the remainder of his life with.

During his retirement Billy enjoyed photography, travelling, listening to music and spending time with his grandchildren. After a lifetime of public service, on July 2, 2024, Billy was called home to be with the Lord. He leaves behind a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and co-workers that will greatly miss him.