Retired SSG Marvin L. Banks (affectionately known as “Punkin”) was born February 13, 1957 in Fort Benning, GA to proud parents Retired SGT Willie J. Banks, Sr. and Doris M. Banks, who both preceded him in death. Marvin graduated from Spencer High School in Columbus, GA. He was a wide receiver on the football team, a member of the band where he was a Drum major and played the Drums, Tuba & Trumpet. Marvin was also a ROTC Drill Team Leader and lead his school band to the state championship 3 years in a row under his leadership.
Marvin loved music. He was part of a group (who later became the Commodores) and was part of several bands and performed on the “chitlin circuit”. After a few years he decided to join the United States Army. SSG Banks was a Tank Commander. His tour duties included Ft. Polk, LA, Ft Knox, Ky, Bousbach, Kirchgons, Bad Hersfeld, Galstead, and Fulda Germany. He also served as a Tank Commander in the Persian Gulf War.
Marvin served honorably for 20 years and retired in July 1995. After military retirement he worked for Schneider Trucking and Garrison Trucking as an owner operator. He received two Associate of Science Degrees in Business and Paralegal Technology. He worked as a paralegal at Wiley and Associates in Columbus, GA alongside his late best friend Joe Wiley.
Marvin grew up in a Christian home and accepted Christ as his Lord & Savior. He was baptized at Owens Chapel M. B. Church where he played the Drums. He later became a member of St. Luke Christian Church until his health began to fail him.
Marvin was the leader of his family. He was kind, loving, helpful, funny, and a cheerful giver. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a very hard worker and dedicated man to everything he set his mind to do. He would not quit until the job was done.
Despite, his earthly health challenges he never complained and his faith never wavered. No matter what he always tried to help others.
Marvin was preceded in death by two sisters: Willie Maude Butler and Elaine Sumbry of Columbus, GA.
Marvin leaves to cherish his precious memories his loving and devoted wife of 42 years Diane; daughters Kenya & LaTasha. Grandchildren Riccardo, Mariah, Jade, Ce’Niyah and Za’Miya they were his pride and joy. Brothers: Willie J. Banks, Jr., of Atlanta, GA, Michelle Eugene (Carydee), Kevin (Naoko) Banks of Hawaii, Sister: Tracey (Maurice) Talley of Las Vegas, NV. Sister and Brother-In-Laws: Carrie Copeland, Earnestine Whitifield, of Huntsville, AL, Nancy James of Decatur, GA, Tommie (Ira) Dobson of Indianapolis, IN, Reginald Sumbry of Columbus, GA. He will definitely be missed by his best buddy and beloved dog (Oreo) and a host of family and friends.
Funeral service will be 12:00 noon, Monday, July 29, 2024 at the Royal Chapel of Memories (4315 Oakwood Avenue NW Huntsville, AL 35810) with Pastor T.C. Johnson officiating. Interment will be in the Meadowlawn Garden of Peace.
Public viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, July 28, 2024 and 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon, Monday, July 29, 2024 at the Royal Funeral Home.
