Book of Memories for Grant Banks, Jr.

Condolence From Dr. Lena (Mayberry) Engstrom

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:15:22 EDT

Dear Susan, You lost your wonderful Dad; please accept my regrets. You were blessed with special parents. I'll always remember how Grant and I used to share the counseling duties for 2000 students; I leaned on him a lot. Joyce was my mentor during my early years at CHS. She wrote, with great difficulty, a brilliant, newsy, and clever letter to me during her final days. It is in my Memory Book. Blessings on you and Kelly. Love, Lena

Condolence From Jeff Prince

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:54:20 EDT

Kelly, Susan, and Families I'm sorry to hear about your dad. He was one of the most influential (and patient) teachers I had at Central. I last saw him at my mother Sarah's visitation in 1998. Twenty years later he still remembered me. I doubt he forgot any of his students. That visit was very much appreciated. He will be missed.

Condolence From Jill Davis Gregory

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 05:24:01 EDT

Dear Susan, Kelly and Families, I am so sorry not to have been able to make the trip back to Spindale when I heard the news of your father's passing. He and your mother were two of the major influences in my life along with A. B. Bumgarner and Malone Thomason. I consider myself to have been blessed to have their love and concern for me and my sisters and brother throughout our years at Central and Spencer Baptist Church. My older sisters Joan and Brenda, my brother Danny, and my younger sister Gwen were all helped along by your parents, but they were a special blessing to me. Your mother was my mentor and made sure I got to go on to college by convincing the Spindale Women's Club that I should be their candidate for the scholarship they sponsored. Your dad was my Biology I and II teacher and my adviser for National Honor Society. I was the President in my Senior year and he and I discussed my feelings of disappointment that we had been able to do so little as a group that year. He was a real comfort to me when he pointed out that he had never had a senior class where so many members worked to help their families get by as our class had. He had a special and compassionate way of letting us see what was possible and strive to achieve it without letting us beat ourselves up over things we could not control. I will never forget either of them. Blessings to you all as you grieve their passing and celebrate the lives they lived. With love and gratitude. Jill Davis Gregory Class of 1973

Condolence From David Hyder

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 09:30:08 EDT

Thirty years later and I still say Mr. Banks. Time and years have separated us but I always love and respected both the Banks. May God bless and keep you in this moment of difficulty. David Hyder

Condolence From James R. and June S. Edwards

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:17:06 EDT

Our deepest sympathy from classmate at Berea College and long time friends. Grant was a wonderful person and he will be missed.

Condolence From Brenda Spearman

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:06:53 EDT

Kelly and family, May God's grace follow you and help you through this difficult time. Brenda Spearman and family

Condolence From Rachel Justice Goodgame

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:14:46 EDT

Phil and I were sad to hear of the loss of Mr. Banks. I loved him and Mrs. Banks from my high school days and then how pleased our family was when you, Kelly, joined our clan of relatives. Your mom and dad then also felt like part of our family. Your parents seemed always excited to discuss teaching with me after I became a teacher. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It's comforting to know that he is now "home".

Condolence From Ferne Crowe Jamieson

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:52:47 EDT

Dear Family, Mr. Banks was one of my teachers at R-S Central. It was evident that he loved teaching. It seemed important to him that students not only learn, but in special ways appreciate the content of his teaching. He was a kind, gentle, fair and effective teacher - one of the best I have had. Condolences to all of you.

Condolence From Marjorie C Fowler

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:34:23 EDT

Both of the Banks were dear teachers of mine at RS Central (1959). Our 50th Reunion will be in 2 weeks, and I was hoping to see Mr. Banks again. Your parents were such positive people, and I shared in their joy of teaching by working 41 years in the classroom.

Condolence From Chuck Nance

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 05:01:50 EDT

Mr. Banks was a great teacher, and more than that, he was a wonderful human being. May God comfort his family, and may he rest in peace.

Condolence From Rosanne Flack Williamson

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:00:14 EDT

Kelly, Lesa and Susan, Mr. Banks was such a fine teacher and person. He exemplified how to live, serve and care for family, students and friends. I have so many fond memories of him at Central. You are comforted, I'm sure, by knowing how many lives he helped shape through the years. God Bless! Rosanne

Condolence From Jim Nodine

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:11:39 EDT

My deepest sympathy to the family. Mr. & Mrs. Banks were wonderful people and great teachers. I attended R/S from '50-'54 and I was blessed to have teachers such as the Banks.

Condolence From Deidre Waldrop

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:51:04 EDT

Dear Mrs. Burdine and Mr. Burdine, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. I know how much you cared for him and feel blessed that the last time I saw you, we spoke of him and how funny he was and how you enjoyed spending time with him! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find comfort in his memory and God's care. Love, Deidre

Condolence From Nancy Dixon Meaders

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 07:36:38 EDT

Kelly, So sorry to hear about your dad. He was one of my favorite teachers as was your mom. I can see him now trying to figure out left or right. He helped me get my job at the American Dairy Goat Association when I was in high school. I'll be thinking about you.

Condolence From Dee Gilbert Whisenant

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 05:26:06 EDT

Susan and Kelly, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I will always remember his sweet smile and loving way he greeted people. He and Joyce both were great teachers, neighbors and friends. He will be missed. He is home. God's blessing and comfort to you and your families through this sad time. Love, Dee Gilbert Whisenant

Condolence From Tony & Linda Carpenter Monfrado

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:45:11 EDT

Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. Banks was a wonderful teacher and friend. You were truly blessed to have two wonderful parents who spread their love for learning among so many people. It was very evident that they were called to teach. (Class of '63)

Condolence From Mary Alice Huss Poe

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:30:52 EDT

Dear Susan, you may not remember me, but I remember you and your parents as well as your brother. Your father taught me biology and supported me in my Science Fair submissions during high school. Both of your parents were mentors and dear friends to me and my parents. I became a Certified Nurse Midwife, conducted research, completed a doctorate and became a faculty member in the College of Nursing at the University of Florida. You father talked to me about these goals and ambitions when I was in high school and challenged me to make it happen. He was a wonderful open minded gentle, but strong teacher. He accepted people as they were and saw the best in them and challenged them to have courage to follow through on their goals. I know he changed many lives and will live in the hearts as well as the labors of those he taught. I am sorry for his passing, but expect that he knew how much he helped each of us with his enthusiasm, energy and 'straight talk.' I send my respects to you and your family.

Condolence From Reba Calvert Buckner class of 1965 RS Central

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:04:34 EDT

I had Mr. Banks for Biology when at RS Central and remembered him to be very good to his students and took a lot of interest in them as individuals. Whenever I saw him after I graduated from school he always asked about my family and was so nice to me and my family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Reba Buckner

Condolence From Doug Huntley

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:58:19 EDT

My last "visit" with Mr. and Mrs. Banks was about seven years ago at Hardees in Spindale. They remained the same wonderful people they had always been. There's no doubt they touched thousands of lives in Rutherford County and made it a much better place for their having been there. My sincere sympathy is extended to Susan, Kelly and all the family. May God bless and comfort you at this time. Doug Huntley, Laurinburg, NC

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