“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:7 KJV
Kenneth “Kenny” Banks, 50, of Hampton, Tenn., passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, at Johnson City Medical Center following a brief illness. Kenneth was born in Johnson City, Tenn., to the late Kathy Blackwell. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Ray and Nola Hodge; his paternal grandparents, Donald and Myrtle Banks; and his second set of grandparents, John and Evelyn Tunnel.
Kenneth was always smiling, full of love, was excessively generous, smart, helpful and loved to laugh. He was just a good ol’ country boy and was a loving and giving father (considered the best dad and husband by his family), brother and son. Kenneth had worked as a press operator at Cornerstone Building Solutions for the past seven years and was a member of Pearce Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. In his spare time he enjoyed working on cars, being with his family, going to the movies with his son and eating with his family.
Those left to cherish his wonderful memory include his loving wife, Melissa Banks, of the home; his son, Cody Banks, of the home; his daughter, Kelly Oliver and husband Jared of Elizabethton; one granddaughter, Kenley “Ken Ken” Oliver of Elizabethton; his father, Donald Banks Jr. and wife Melonie of Jonesborough, Tenn.; his brother, Kevin Banks and wife Mandy of Johnson City; his sister, Kim Banks of Abingdon, Va.; a brother-in-law, Billy Hodge and wife Anita of Hampton; a sister-in-law, Linda Buchanan and husband Dave of Hampton; a step-sister, Patricia Castle and husband Sam of Church Hill; and his step-father, Buford Blackwell of Abingdon, Va. Several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles also survive.
A service to celebrate the life of Kenneth Banks will be conducted at 8 p.m. Friday, August 30, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Rev. Dwayne Calhoun officiating. Music will be provided by Jennifer Crabtree. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, prior to the service. The graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 31, in the John Whitehead Cemetery in Hampton, Tenn. Active pallbearers will be Larry Tolliver, Dave Buchanan, Jared Oliver, Ronnie Francis, Dwayne Fleenor, Bradley Hodge, Kevin Banks and Eric Banks. Honorary pallbearers will be his son, Cody Banks, and all his co-workers at Cornerstone Building Systems. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:50 a.m. Saturday. The family would like to thank the 2700 Staff of ICU at the Johnson City Medical Center, Dr. Christy Lawson and her trauma team, and to family and friends who have shown love and support for the family during this difficult time. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Kenneth and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information Line: (423) 543-4917.