Howard Neil Banks, 87, of Jasper, Alabama, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2026, surrounded by his family.The Banks family will be receiving friends at Kilgore-Green Funeral Home, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 11 am until 1 pm. Service will follow at 1 p.m., in the Kilgore-Green Chapel, with burial at Walker Memory Gardens. Rev. Andy Frazier will officiate.
Neil was born on August 20, 1939, in Oakman, Alabama in the Pleasant Grove Community. He lived a life filled with love, kindness, and a heart to help others. He was saved at an early age and joined
Grace Chapel Church of the Nazarene. He was baptized in Lost Creek and later in life, he joined Jasper’s First Baptist Church. Neil graduated from Oakman High School in 1957. That summer he began college at the University of Alabama where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree and later acquired his Masters degree from UAB.
On June 13. 1959, Neil married the love of his life, Martha Grace Rutledge. Together, they shared 67 wonderful years of marriage. Wherever you saw one, you would see the other – a testament to a love that endured throughout their lives. Neil began his career at Hayes Aircraft in Huntsville, Alabama. He later had the opportunity to become the first drafting instructor at the Walker County Trade School in Sumiton. Alabama. He served 38 years in the National Guard Armory and retired from the Chevron Corporation. Family and his Lord were the two greatest blessings in Neil’s life. He remained faithful to both throughout his life, and he never missed an opportunity to encourage his loved ones to have a closer walk with Jesus. One of Neil’s greatest joys was spending time with his family, laughing and talking together. He was always there when friends and family needed him, and he touched countless lives through his kindness, generosity, and unwavering support. He especially loved being involved in the lives and activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Though Neil will be deeply missed, his love and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. As a husband, father, Dada, and Papaw, he created cherished memories, imparted lasting lessons, and gave his family a love that will never be forgotten. His family finds comfort in knowing that Neil has met his Lord and Savior and reunited with loved ones in heaven where they will await the rest of the family one day.
Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Ulyess and Jewel Carmichael Banks; his brothers James Dolphus (JD), Henry, and William Frank Banks; his in-laws, John Hobson and Leila Myers Rutledge; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Howard Franklin, Sr. and Billie Sherer Rutledge; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jack Junior and Joyce Rutledge Burton, and his sister-in-law Vonda Sullivan Banks.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Grace Rutledge Banks; his children, Darla Banks Harrison (Dennis), Don Howard Banks, DeeDee Banks Ingle (Phil); his grandchildren, Marli Banks Godsey (Waylon), Savannah Banks Daniels (Chad), Maci Banks Harrison (Lee), Sydney Leigh Banks, Annie Kate Ingle Potter (Corbin), Banks James Ingle, Dakota Banks Fleming (Houston), Lauren Ingle Bright (Neal), Christopher Phillip Ingle (Jordan), and Skyler Kimbrell; and his great grandchildren, Jaymison Banks Harrison, Paxton Gregory Story, Fletcher Houston Fleming, Hallie Claire Fleming, Elizabeth Banks Potter, Lainey Elizabeth Bright, Hattie Claire Bright, and Peyton Elizabeth Ingle. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Catherine O’Rear Banks, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Jasper’s First Baptist Church at PO Box 71 Jasper, AL 35502.
Pallbearers will be Alan Banks, Jeff Banks, Hal Banks, Ken Wright, Logan Wright, Jonathan Burton, Frank Rutledge Jr., Jim Scott, Jeff Parnell and John England.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Larry Elliott’s Jasper’s First Baptist Church Sunday School Class.
