Leonard M. Banks

Our Dad, died Wednesday in an Orlando Hospice. In failing health for the past two years, he came to Orlando to be near two of his daughters. He was born February 28, 1919, in Laurel Fork, Va. to Walter and Lila Jessup Banks, raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains. He worked building homes most of his life, in Virginia, Melbourne and Titusville, Fla. He retired back, very near his birthplace and enjoyed the mountains again. He planted a small orchard and a big garden that we all enjoyed. He was an avid fisherman and a fan of car racingas far back as racing on Daytona Beach. Leonard is survived by Carolyn Coyle (Larkin), Titusville, Fla., Linda Patterson, of Kingsport, Tenn. and Debbie Walker (Steve), Orlando, Fla.; three granddaughters, Carmen Grady, of Port St. Lucie, Leslie Moes (Brian), of Orlando, Sterling Oliver (Phil), of Charlotte, N.C.; five great-grands, Rachel Grady, Cole and Avery Moes, Eli and Ames Oliver; his brother, Waymon Banks (Pauline), of Meadows of Dan, Va.; his sisters, Lucille Lewis, of Roanoke, Va. and Mabel Stanley (Ned), of Christiana, Pa.; one sister-in-law, Leola Banks, of Roanoke; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by one sister, Mamie Horton; four brothers, Lonnie Banks, Lloyd Banks, Clifford Banks and Clayton Banks and his parents. Graveside service will be Friday at 11 a.m. at Brevard Memorial Park at Frontenac, August 7, 2009. North Brevard Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Calling hours 9 to 1 0 a.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of the Comforter, 605 Montgomery Rd., Altamonte Springs, Fla. 32714.