Leon Banks Sr.

T/Sgt (retired) Leon (Mickey) Banks, Sr. Porter's Lounge Owner T/Sgt. (retired) Leon Banks Sr., past Friday, September 3, 2004 at Hospice, Savannah. Leon Banks, Sr. was born February 14, 1938 in Macon, Georgia to Thomas and Elizabeth Banks. He was raised in Savannah, Georgia. A graduate of Alfred Eli Beach High School, he also completed many extension courses in the Military, including the Veteran Education Enrichment Program at Savannah State College. He attended Savannah State College (University). In 1956 he joined the United States Air Force. During his Military Career he received many commendations including 1st Oak Leaf Cluster and the Meritorious Service Medal. He commanded many programs for orphan children during his over seas tours. After leaving the military, he operated Porter's Lounge on 38th and Waters for over 20 years. As a businessman Leon helped further the careers of many inspiring musicians, sponsored annual Black History Week activities, dinner's for teachers during American Education Week, and an evening of entertainment for nurses and secretaries during their week celebration. He was a dedicated public servant and served on the Metropolitan Planning Commission for two years; the African American Male High Blood Pressure Task Force; the Waters Avenue Business Association, Project (YESS) Project Youth Employment Strategies Services Advisory Board. He was a former member of Omar 21; Savannah State Booster club; and a member of the Frank Callen Girls and Boys Club Alumni Association. He was an avid Golfer and Bowler. He was one of the founders and the first president of the Black Golfers Association. He also was instrumental in organizing the first Black Golfer Tournament in Savannah. As a bowler he won many trophies. His love for children led him to substitute teaching for eight years at Butler and Spencer Elementary and Sol C. Johnson High School. He was a permanent substitute teacher at Hubert Middle School. A membe r of St. James AME Church, where he worked on many projects. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Rosemary Banks; son and daughter-in-law, Leon and Suzanne Banks, Newborn, Georgia; grandson, William Davis Banks, Newborn, Georgia; mother-in-law, Marie Martin Porter, Savannah, Georgia; sisters and brothers-in-law, Frank and Lucile Downs, Savannah, Georgia, Clarence and Etrenda Banks, Maryland, Isaac and Susie Gordon, Sheldon, SC; sister and brother, Mozella Famble and Charles Banks, Savannah, Georgia; sisters-in-law, Charles Etta Ransom, Mildred Stevens and Levena Banks, Savannah, Georgia, Alma Campbell, New York; brother-in-law, Gilbert McDaniel and special friend, Samuel Bryan, Savannah, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and a special niece, Wanda Miller. Visitation: 6-8 Sunday, September 12, 2004 at Sexton-Hall Mortuary Chapel, 118 E. 35th Street. Funeral Service: 12, Noon, September 13, 2004 at St. James AME Church, 632 East Broad St., Rev. Earnest Gordon, Eulo gist. Interment: Beaufort National Cemetery, Beaufort, South Carolina. In lieu of flowers the family request contributions be made to one of the following: The building fund of St. James AME Church, Hospice of Savannah, c/o Rosemary Banks, 1110 E. Henry St., Savannah, GA 31404 Sexton-Hall Mortuary, Inc. Savannah Morning News, September 11, 2004 Please sign our Obituary Guestbook at www.savannahnow.com