Graveside services for George Wilbanks, 71 of Athens, Texas are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, December, 20, 2014 at the Carroll Springs Cemetery in Athens, Texas with Bro. Mike Drinkard and Scott Dishman officiating.
Mr. Wilbanks passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2014 in Athens, Texas.
George Paul Wilbanks was born February 27, 1943 in Anderson County, Texas, the son of O.C. Wilbanks and Gracie Pearl Ingram Wilbanks. He joined the Marines in October 1965 and was honorably discharged in August of 1971 after several tours in Vietnam. While servings actively he was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon w/1 Star, Good Conduct Medal w/ 1 Star, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/ 1 Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ 1960 Device, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ P&F. He was a Life Member and Commander of the Athens VFW Post 7103 and the Disabled Veterans J.W. Cantrell Chapter 63 in Palestine, Texas. George was a member of Bois D’ Arc Baptist Church. He was a loving father, brother and grandfather and will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Smith, parents and four brothers; William Jesse Wilbanks, Donnie Wilbanks, Clovis Wilbanks, Harold Lloyd Wilbanks.
He is survived by his loving children, Christie Wilbanks Pitts and husband Michael Lynn of Palestine, Jerry Paul Kidd of Henderson, Stephen Kidd and fiancé Tina Marie Clemons of Chandler, Judy Benson and husband Doby of Blanco, Kathy Bacquet of Encinitas, California, Cindy Smith Steele of Austin; brother Danny Wilbanks and wife Myra of Athens; two sisters, Evalyn Roberts of Bradford, Linda Smith and husband “Beri” of Palestine and four grandchildren; Michael and Kenneth Hightower and Colton and Caitlin Kidd.
Visitation will be Friday, December 19, 2014 from 6-8 p.m. at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens.
Serving as pallbearers: nephews; Terry Willingham, Kevin Clary, Chad Glenn, Calvin Smith, Donald Roberts, Keith Wilbanks and David Wilbanks. Honorary Pallbearers will be George Blailock, Jason Tatum, Jeremy Miller, Michael Davis, Mark McDaniel and the members of the VFW Post 7103.
In Lieu of flowers please send memorials to: Operation Christmas Child Fund of either: Dogwood Church – 6467 FM 2494, Athens, TX 75751, Phone: (903) 677-3185; or Bois D’ Arc Baptist Church – 310 A.C.R. 445, Palestine, TX 75803, Phone: (903) 549-2373; or First Baptist Church of Rusk – 707 E 5th St, Rusk, TX 75785, Phone (903) 683-4447.
The family would like to give special thanks to Park Highland Nursing staff and the Hospice of East Texas.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home of Athens.