Richard M. Banks Jr., 65, of Vicksburg passed away Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard M. Banks Sr., and mother, Iona Coleman Banks.

He is survived by his wife, Esther T. Banks; his daughter, Michelle Odum and husband Kevin of Little Rock, Ark.; his daughter, Jennie Banks of Knoxville, Tenn.; his son, Trey Banks of Vicksburg; his grandchildren, Mark, Seth and Kate Odum of Little Rock; and his sister, Lenora Moore and husband Ken of Pearl.

Richard, also known as Jack or Sonny, grew up in Vicksburg, where he was an avid sportsman and graduated from Cooper High School. Following high school, he completed his degree in traffic management and traffic law; he then became the traffic and warehouse manager for McGraw Edison. He also served with the 412th Army Reserve Unit in Vicksburg. Later, he became a small-business owner and then retired from Harrah’s.

Richard was a dedicated husband, father, grandpa and friend but, to many, he was known as a jokester and enjoyed making people laugh. He had a passion for sports and spent a majority of his years coaching. He was known as Coach Banks, and he had the opportunity to coach baseball, softball, soccer and basketball in a variety of age groups. He was also a diehard fan of the New Orleans Saints, the St. Louis Cardinals and Ole Miss Rebels.

He had many enjoyable hobbies, some of which were playing in his canasta and domino groups. However, his most passionate hobby was gardening. He spent a lot of time in his yard, and he was so proud of it. His family is planting flowers in his memory.

Visitation will be held at Glenwood Funeral Home on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008, from 5 until 7 p.m. Services will be Friday, Sept. 26, 2008, at 11 a.m.  in the chapel. Burial will follow at Green Acres Cemetery.

The services will be officiated by Eric Welch of the Vicksburg Church of Christ.

Pallbearers are Tommy Coleman, Steve Webster, Lanz Dorrell, Gary Walker, Kevin Odum, Rod Styron, Dick Grau, Joe Smith and Bill Trout.

Honorary pallbearers are Jason Hopkins, Shea Griggs, Mark Monroe, Royce Eaves, Nancy Jenkins, Jerry Goings, Don Biedenharn, Steve Reed, Bobby Baylot and Charlie Jones.