William “Al” Alden Banks, age 89, of Jacksonville, Florida, formerly of Gainesville, FL, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 19, 2022. Alden was born at home on January 7, 1933, in Centerpoint, Georgia, to William Sterling Banks and Annie Lou Cole.
Alden graduated from Webster County High School and studied at Abraham Baldwin College, the University of Georgia and Clemson University, receiving his Masters Degree in Entomology. He worked as an entomologist for the US Department of Agriculture for over 25 years, retiring in 1985.
Al was also a member of several of the Baptist churches in Gainesville, serving as the chairman of deacons for quite a few years. He was a man of few words but a man of faith and integrity and an excellent example for his children.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Margie Addy Banks of Preston, Georgia, to whom he was married for 63 years.
He is survived by his children, daughters Melanie Wise, Marie Marshall (Tim), Allison Flynn (Brian), and son Timothy Banks, as well as eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Lewis Banks (Linda) of Dawson, GA and a sister-in-law, Nancy Addy (Phil) of Preston, GA, as well as many nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, January 7, 2022, at the Milam Funeral Home Chapel in Newberry. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until the service at the funeral home chapel. His interment will be in Forest Meadows Cemetery West. Arrangements are under the care of Milam Funeral and Cremation Services, 311 S. Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376-5361. www.milamfh.com.
