Johnnie Wilbanks was born December 17, 1924 in Selmer, TN the son of the late Eddie O. and Laura Artensia Hagy Wilbanks.
He was united in marriage to Madge Wrenn on October 18, 1946.
Mr. Wilbanks worked though the International Union of Operating Engineers as a heavy equipment and crane operator for 30 years, working on projects including Interstate 240 and the Memphis Pyramid. He was a member of the Briarwood Baptist Church in Cordova, Tennessee, a Mason, and Past Worthy Patron at Bethel Grove Chapter Order of the Eastern Star. He served his country honorably in the United States Army Air Force.
Mr. Wilbanks enjoyed traveling the country with his wife Madge in their motor home, and spent many winters in Plant City, FL where he volunteered in the Annual Strawberry Festival.
Mr. Wilbanks departed this life on October 11, 2013 in Cordova, Tennessee at the age of 88 Years, 9 Months, 24 Days. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Madge (Wrenn) Wilbanks of Cordova, TN; a son, Johnny W. Wilbanks Jr. and wife Margaret of Goose Creek, SC; two daughters, Linda Jean Minnick and husband Kenneth of Cincinnati, OH, Vivian Gay Gatta and husband William of Port Jefferson, NY; a sister, Martha Emmons of Atlanta, GA; 6 Grandchildren, 14 Great Grandchildren; dearest friends, Mike and Donna Evans.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Wilbanks was preceded in death by two brothers, J.D. Wilbanks, Haze O. Wilbanks; two sisters, Athalee Christopher, Clara Roberts.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 from 10 am until the service at 11 am, all held at Briarwood Baptist Church in Cordova, Tennessee, with Pastor John Shamblin officiating. Burial will follow in the Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens at Bartlet, Tennessee.
