Obituary: Harold Lloyd Wilbanks

wilbanksGraveside services for Harold Lloyd Wilbanks, 72 of Athens, are scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, at the Carroll Springs Cemetery in Athens with Bro. Mike Drinkard and Scott Dishman officiating.

Mr. Wilbanks passed away on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013 in Palestine, Texas.

Harold Lloyd Wilbanks was born May 18, 1941 in Anderson County, Texas, the son of O.C. Wilbanks and Gracie Pearl Ingram Wilbanks. He joined the Air Force in August 1962 and was honorably discharged in August of 1968 after a tour in Vietnam. He was a Life Member of the Athens VFW Post 7103 and the Disabled Veterans Chapter in Palenstine, Texas. Harold was a member of Bois D’ Arc Baptist Church and enjoyed competitive shooting for disabled veterans, leatherwork and a good game of dominoes, bingo or horseshoes. He was a loving father, brother and grandfather and will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, William Jesse Wilbanks, Donnie Wilbanks, Clovis Wilbanks; and step-daughter, Susan Benton.

He is survived by his son, David Harold Wilbanks and wife Lisa of Rusk; daughter, Stephanie Strunk of Cobb, California; two sisters, Evalyn Roberts of Bradford, Texas, Linda Smith and husband William “Beri” of Palestine, Texas; two brothers, Paul Wilbanks of Athens, Danny Wilbanks and wife Myra of Athens; six grandchildren, Ashley, Jeremy, Christina, Tyler, Coby and Madison.

Visitation will be Monday, Nov. 4, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens.

Serving as Pallbearers are Terry Willingham, Kevin Clary, Chad Glenn, Calvin Smith, Donald Roberts, Keith Wilbanks.

Honorary Pallbearers will be George Blailock, Jason Tatum, Jeremy Miller, Michael Davis, Chase Glenn, Colby Glenn.

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

The family would like to give special thanks to Greenbrier Nursing staff and the Hospice of East Texas.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home of Athens.

You may light a candle or write condolences to the family at: www.hannigansmith.com.