Charles Hudson Banks, Sr. affectionately known as “Buddy” went home to be with the Lord on December 27, 2019.  He was born January 3, 1934, in Three Notch, AL in Bullock County to Charles Sherman Banks and Mary Louise Harris Banks.  He attended Bullock County Public School System, graduating from Carver High School.  He was baptized at Mt. Silla Baptist Church in Union Springs, AL by his grandfather, Rev. Henry Harris.  He began to drive at the early age of 11 and his first job was driving his grandfather around. Since his grandfather was the Pastor of 4 churches at one time and did not drive, he purchased a new car for Buddy to drive him around.  Buddy learned to be punctual, and never showed up late.

His second job was a paper route for Grit Paper where he rode his bicycle to sell newspapers. He would always go home to share his profit with his siblings.  While in High School, he dated Mattie Jane Evans and at the age of 18, they married in 1952 and their marriage lasted for 65 years.  Eager for a better way of life, they both relocated to Akron, OH where his father lived.  Upon arrival to Ohio, his first job was at Kistler Bakery and he also worked at PPG, General Motors and Banks Trucking.  He purchased 2 Semi Tractor Trailer trucks and drove them independently through Breda Miller and Fright of Chicago while also working at B.F. Goodrich for over 35 years.  He also went back to school to become a certified roofer to open his own business, Banks Roofing and Spouting.  Charles and Mattie transferred their membership to Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Irece T. Bradley and late Rev. Dr. Luther C. Cooper while serving 40 plus years on the Usher Board in every compacity.

Our father was a people person, a go-getter, a provider and he had a giving heart, he helped people.  He loved to travel, and he did not hesitate about going back to his roots, sweet home Alabama.  He loved his family and his family loved him.  He was a special one of a kind man.  His favorite gospel artist was Shirley Caesar and his riding music was the blues, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Otis Redding.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mattie Jane Banks; parents, Charles Sherman Banks and Mary Louise Harris Banks; sister Laufa Mitchem; brother, Harold Anderson; mother-in-law, Jimmie C. Simmons Evans; father-in-law, Rainer Evans Sr.; sisters-in-law, Mary Heaird, Pearlie Evans, Juanita Simmons; brothers-in-law, Rainer Evans Jr. (AKA) Otis Simmons, Garland McClellan Sr., and  Everett Scott Sr.; granddaughter, Knakita Drae Banks; niece, Traci Lynn Simmons; nephew, Jeffery Heaird.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Gwendolyn E. Banks, Charles (Vanessa) H. Banks Jr., Anthony (Luberta) W. Banks, Charessa L. Banks; sisters, Jorietta McClellan of Anniston, AL, Katie Banks Scott of Los Angeles, CA,  Mildred Wynn of Columbus, GA, Eddie Mae Cowan of Union Springs, AL, Evlyn Banks Morris of Akron, OH; brother, Melvin Banks Morris of Akron, OH; grandchildren, Anthony Brunson, Charles Clay, Anton Banks, Antson Banks, Michael Murdock, Sherman Murdock, Anthony Curry, Jordan Banks, Javon Banks, Jayla Banks, Jamere Banks, LeMarvin Harris, Xena Harris, Toussaint Harris, and Kyndacee Harris; great-grandchildren, Laila Brunson, Ellis Brunson, MeShac K. Williams, Anton Banks II, Antson Banks II, Raia Banks, Ariyahn Amberslie, Skyland Murdock, Mister Murdock, Charles Hudson Clay Jr., Javon Banks II; brother-in-law, Arthur Lee Heaird; along with a host of first cousins who were like brothers and sisters; nieces, nephews, family and friends from all over.