Mack Henry Banks

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Psalms 23:6

On Sunday morning, February 15, 2026, God called home John “Mack” Henry Banks. Mack was born on July 17, 1923, the only child of the late Ruth Reynolds in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Mack attended school in James City County and grew to become a pillar of his community. In March 1941, he married Elizabeth “Lizzie” Roberts. Their union was blessed with seven children: Pie, Mack, Duck, Money, Linda, Butch, and Muffin. Williamsburg is where Mack built his home and raised his family. What began as a modest two-bedroom, single-story house grew along with his family, as he used his ingenuity and carpentry skills to expand it to meet their needs. 

Mack loved working with his hands and was very self-sufficient. He was proficient in many trades. One of his many joys was to work on projects with his brothers-in-law, Charles Dickerson and Edward Dodds. You could often find him in his shed or garage working on someone's car, fixing things around the house, or tending to his garden. Even at 90 years of age, you could see him sitting in his garage tinkering. He was employed at the Naval Weapons Station, where he worked faithfully for thirty years before retiring. Mack worshipped at Little Zion Baptist Church, where he served as a Trustee. He always did and followed what the Spirit led him to do. He remained steadfast in his devotion to our Lord and Savior until his golden hour.

We have all been blessed to know Mack Banks. He was kind, funny, decisive, and a devoted provider and protector for his family. We are forever grateful to have been graced with his presence in our lives. His legacy will live on for generations. He is now in God's keeping and forever in our hearts. 

Mack was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty-seven years, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Roberts Banks; his daughter, Ruth Price; his sons-in-law, Frank Price and Otis Ward (Linda); his granddaughters, Veronica Bowman and Cindy Ward; his great-grandchildren, Marquis Banks, JaSheila Patterson, and Justus Matthais; and fourteen sisters and brothers-in-law.

Born as an only child, Mack carried forward a legacy that spans six generations. He leaves to cherish his memory six children, Mack Robert (Janet), Stanley (Mattie), James (Tine), Linda, Major (Melvina), and Alice (Nick); twenty-three grandchildren; sixty-one great-grandchildren; thirty-nine great-great-grandchildren; and one great-great-great-grandson; two sisters-in-law, Amanda Roberts and Lillian Roberts; one brother-in-law, Rev. Carl Russell Roberts; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A service to celebrate Mack's life will be held at Noon on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in Little Zion Baptist Church, with a viewing beginning at 10:00 a.m.  Interment to follow in the church cemetery.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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