Neil Harold Banfield

Neil Harold Banfield, 91, of Stone Mountain died peacefully Thursday, August 16 following a three week hospital stay for breathing and heart issues. Neil was born in Olean, NY in 1927 to Harold and Marie Banfield. He served in the US Navy during World War II and married his childhood sweetheart, Audrey, after his discharge from the service. Neil and Audrey celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary on July 27.

Neil was very active in his church for many years serving on the Vestry, teaching Sunday School, serving as an usher on Sunday mornings and serving as the assistant treasurer at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany. He had a collection of teddy bears that started with Albert the Running Bear, because he jogged regularly for several years, and grew from there. He was an avid gardener until his health prevented him from “playing in the dirt”. He relaxed by doing counted cross-stitch and created many beautiful pieces which are on display in the homes of family and friends. Neil enjoyed traveling with Seniors on the Go and in recent years, he enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles, sometimes with the help of whoever happened to be passing by the puzzle table. Neil is survived by his wife, Audrey; son, Mark Banfield and his wife, Kristin; daughter, Michele MacLeod and her husband, Rod; “daughter”, The Reverend Janice Wright and her husband, Buster; sister, Clara Lou Klist of Bainbridge Island, WA as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Neil was pre-deceased by his parents, and brother, Tommy Banfield of North Carolina.

The funeral service will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany at 2089 Ponce de Leon Avenue, NE, Atlanta, GA 30307.

Neil’s ashes will be interred in the Memorial Garden at the church. Please do not wear black to the service. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, the Atlanta ASPCA or any charity of your choice.