September 29, 2012

Funeral for Carlos John Wilbanks, 94, of Hartselle will be Wed. (today), Oct. 3, at 1 p.m. at Pattillo Street Church of God with the Rev. John Elliott, the Rev. Billy Wilbanks and the Rev. Gary Wilbanks officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing.

The body will lie in state for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Friendship Cemetery (Danville).

Mr. Wilbanks died Sat., Sept. 29, 2012, at his residence. He was born May 10, 1918, in Morgan County to Isom Newton Wilbanks and Cordie Elizabeth Scoggins Wilbanks. Mr. Wilbanks was a long standing member of Pattillo Street Church of God, where he served faithfully. He began his Christian walk at the young age of six years old. He was a strong example to all by sharing his faith in words and actions. He spoke freely of God’s grace and goodness and was ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He enjoyed gardening and visiting with family and friends. He considered his family to be his greatest legacy and prayed for God’s blessings over them every day. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Ethel Olene Wilbanks; a son, Melvin R. Wilbanks; a great-granddaughter, Emily Orr; and a brother and a sister-in-law, Marvin and Lorene Wilbanks.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Hospice of the Valley, Oxford Heathcare, Meals on Wheels and NARCOG for assistance. They would also like to thank the caregivers for their compassionate service.

He is survived by three sons, Carlos Wilbanks Jr. and wife Shirley of Danville, Ronald Wilbanks and wife Barbara of Hartselle and Gerald “Flip” Wilbanks and wife Nancy of Goode Springs, Tenn.; two daughters: Laneita Davis and husband Cecil of Somerville and Rebekah Morgan and husband Timmie of Danville; a daughter-in-saw, Carolyn Wilbanks; 18 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Ricky Wilbanks, Lydell Wilbanks, Jason Wilbanks, Brian Davis, Justin Wilbanks and Daniel Morgan.

Honorary pallbearers will be Gerald Wilbanks and Bobby Robbins.