Rev. William Henry Banks

Reverend William Henry Banks was born and raised in Nellysford, Virginia

He graduated from Nelson Memorial High School and promptly served in the US Army for 3 years during the Viet Nam conflict.

He continued his education at Piedmont Community College, and studied at the School of the prophets in ministry training, where he obtained his certificate in the Ministry.  He also received a certificate in the Ministry from Dallas Seminary, where he studied online.

Reverend Banks served with the Rockfish Valley Volunteer Fire Department for 5 years as Chaplain.

He was a long-standing member of the Waynesboro YMCA, where he served on the Board of Director and worked as a Personal Trainer, in addition to holding record in weightlifting competitions, mentoring, and just generally lending a hand whenever he could.

He was a member of American Legion Post340 where he served as a 1st Commander.

He was also a member of the Nelson Training and Nelson Memorial Alumni Committee.

Reverend Banks was a member of the National Breast Cancer Foundation.  Having known many wonderful women who have struggled with this disease, he proudly wore pink through the month of October, in support of breast cancer awareness.

Revevend Banks was a devoted fan of Dr. Martin Luther king, Jr.  He had recited Dr. King’s “I have a Dream’ speech in various places throughout the years.

He was blessed to be a member of Elk Hill Baptist Church, where he has been worshipping for many years.  He has been a member of the choir, and served as Treasurer of the church, he had been Assistant Pastor there for 30 years, and when there was a vacancy of Pastor, he stepped right in and gladly filled that roll.

Reverend Banks was also blessed to be called a Son of Mt. Woodland Baptist Church in Greenfield, Virginia.  He gained his license to preach on June 4, 1989, and was ordained to the Ministry on June 5, 1990.

Reverend Banks mission was to be a witness for the Lord unto the uttermost parts of the earth, wherever he may be called; to glorify Almighty God; and to let his light shine so that others may see it and glorify the Father.

He testifies of Christ; that He was anointed to preach the gospel to the poor, was sent to heal the broken hearted, and to preach deliverance to the captives, recover the sight to the blind, and to set at liberty they that have been bruised.

He worked for Stanley Furniture for 20 years and retired from Daikin. 

He arrived on June 1, 1946 and departed to heaven May 12, 2021, surrounded by his family.  He resided at 2221 Mosley St., Waynesboro, VA 22980 with his wife Melinda Curry Banks.

He was born to Felix and Lovely “Louise” Simpson Banks, who have gone on before him, as well as his siblings, Paul Felix Banks, Virginia Harris, Teresa Banks and his father-in-law Wardell (Jack) Curry.  He also leaves to mourn and cherish precious memories, his children, daughter, Brittany Dabney and husband, James Dabney and son, Brandon Curry and Stephanie Huffman; five grandchildren, to include a  special granddaughter, Chantelle Johnson, Jasiah Dabney, Kassidy Curry, Jaylin Fitzgerald and Jaden Dabney; two brothers, Robert Banks and wife, Oradee of Providence, Rhode Island and Deacon Guy Banks and wife, Deaconess Debra Banks of Waynesboro; sister, Mamie Banks of Charlottesville; mother-in-law, Juanita Curry of Grottoes; two brothers-in-law, Wardell (Dell) Curry and Major Diggs and three sisters-in-law, Teresa Diggs, Brenda Curry and Jackie Curry.

The family would like to offer a special “thank-you” to the University of Virginia Medical Center, Dr. Varinder Kaur, MD and Staff, Dr. Mark J. Jameson MD and Staff (Oncology Head and Neck Surgery), Dr. Jose C. Mattos MD, MPH and Staff (Otolaryngology) and the UVA Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Valley Covenant Church, 291 Hopeman Parkway, Waynesboro.  The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 12 Noon until the hour of the service.

Share memories and condolences at www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com.

Charlton and Groome Funeral Home, Fishersville is serving the family.

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