George "Sky" Banks

GEORGE “SKY” BANKS JR.

Services for George “Sky” Banks, 79, of Gainesville are set for 10 a.m. Thursday at Hillcrest Church of Christ with Paul Witt and Ray Hilliard officiating. Burial will follow in Witt Cemetery under the direction of the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home of Gainesville.

Mr. Banks died Feb. 19, 2008, at Parkland Hospital in Dallas.

He was born Nov. 15, 1928, in Gainesville to George and Ardina Evans Banks Sr. On Nov. 23, 1951, he married Billie Witt at the Commerce Street Church of Christ in Gainesville. Mr. Banks was active in the oil industry in Cooke County throughout his adult life and was employed by Burk Royal Company for thirty years. He was a devout Christian and a long-time member of Broadway Church of Christ. He was a veteran of the Army of the United States and served in France.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Billie Banks of Gainesville; sons, Joe and Jeff Banks of Gainesville. He was the beloved “Poppy” of 5 grandchildren, Kacie Buell of Denton, Cody Joe Banks and his wife, Melissa; Travis Banks, Brittany Banks and Kamen Banks, all of Gainesville; 3 great-grandchildren, Trevor Buell and Tara and Derek Banks; brothers, Ralph Banks of Gainesville and Dee Banks of Eustace; and sisters, Eddie Mae Trammell of Nocona and Helen Lawler of Bowie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ardina and George Banks and by a brother, Donald Banks.

Pallbearers are six nephews.

Honorary pallbearers are his dear friends of Broadway Church of Christ.

Visitation will be at the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home from 6 to 7 p.m. today.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Witt Cemetery Association; 130 C.R. 278; Gainesville, TX 76240.