Page 30 - Florida Sentinel 9-2-22

Funerals
AIKENS
PASTOR SANDY EARL BANKS
A Homegoing Celebration for Pastor Sandy Earl Banks, of Tampa FL, who passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022, will be held on Saturday, September 3rd, 11 a. m., at Victory AME Church, 5202 S. 86th Street, As- sistant Pastor Steven Oliver, Sr., officiating.
Sandy Earl Banks was born to Sylvester David Banks and Pauline (Williams) Banks in Rockledge, Florida at Wuesthoff Hospital on Febru- ary 26, 1958. He grew up in the little town of Merritt Island, FL, home of the Mustangs. He grew up in what is affectionately named “The Village,” sur- rounded by people who became family. He loved sports. He had a passion for basketball that sent him to Wisconsin. Ulti- mately, his love, for the love of his life, Mary led him to the United States Air Force. He married his High School Sweet- heart, Mary Sanders on May 3, 1979. From this union came 2 children: LaWanda and Joshua. He retired honorably from the United States Air Force where he served in multiple capacities, in multiple military assign- ments. He was a devoted father and husband for more than 40 years.
In 1987, while stationed at Izmir, Turkey under the flag of NATO, Sandy received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. While stationed in Turkey, he received and accepted the call of God on his life.
He and Mary would join multiple ministries prior to starting their own. Two min- istries had a tremendous im- pact on Sandys’ life. During the late 1980’s they joined Word of Life, A Four-Square Ministry under the leadership of Pastor Jon and Helen Jenkins.
In the 1990’s he was intro- duced to the ministry of the late Pastor Greg Powe, who was the Founder and Senior Pastor of Revealing Truth Ministries in Tampa, FL.
May 19, 1999, Sandy was or- dained as a Minister of the Gospel after two years of Min- istry Education Training at Re-
vealing Truth Ministries. He served fourteen years under Pas- tor Powe, as a Deacon, Assistant Director of the Nursing Home Ministry, Children’s Ministry volunteer and a Home Cell- Group Leader/ Bible Teacher.
In 2009 Sandy and Mary be- came Pastors Sandy and Mary Banks of Transforming Lives Christian Center. The vision God gave them consists of a church with more than 18,000 mem- bers. The goal being, to trans- form lives by breaking the chains of wickedness, setting the cap- tives free and destroying spiri- tual, mental and physical enslaving yokes through the anointing of God and the power of his word. (Isaiah 58:6-8). Pas- tor worked diligently in the min- istry. There are countless people to attest to the love and compas- sion of Pastor Banks.
Sandy fell in love with Mary at a young age and never looked back. He loved to make her happy. Daddy, as he was known by his children, could never say no to a request from his kids. Sandy the son, loved his Mother Dear so much he would drive I-4 to get to her often. Baby boy of the siblings could hang with every one of his siblings every day and be content.
“Daddy Banks”, as LaWanda’s girlfriends named him, loved each of them as if they were his own daughters. Pastor Sandy had a heart for people. Nicknamed, the “Grandmaster of texting”, letting each person know they are loved just when they need it most. The last 10 years he had a special place in his heart for his only grandchild; Lauren Kai. He loved hanging with the little girl who’s first words were “Dandaddy.” His heart was kind, compassionate and full of God’s love. No one could ever recall a time where he was angry before or after being saved.
Pastor Sandy was preceded in death by: his maternal and pa- ternal grandparents; and his beloved son, James Edward Grant, III. He was the most car- ing and loving husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, uncle and Pastor.
He is survived by: the love of his life, Mary Banks; children, LaWanda Banks-Grant, Jer- maine Joshua Banks, and Ten- nille Tatum; his mother, Pauline Banks; grandchild, Lauren Grant; siblings, Patricia Latti- more, Florine “Cherri” Washing- ton (Paul), Sylvia Banks, David Banks (Geila), Lester Banks (Barbara), Maria “Ria” Banks; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, church family and friends.
The visitation will be held at Aikens Funeral Home on Friday, September 2nd, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The family and friends are asked to meet at the church on Saturday for the service. We are following CDC guidelines.
“Aikens Funeral Home”
MR. FREEMAN BEST, JR.
A Homegoing Celebration for Mr. Freeman Best, Jr., who passed away on Wednesday, Au- gust 24, 2022, will be held on Saturday, September 3rd, 11:00 a.m., at Rome Church of Christ, 2820 N. Rome Ave., Tampa, FL 33607, Pastor Terry Allen, Sr., officiating. The interment will be in Florida National Ceme- tery, Bushnell, Florida.
Freeman Best, Jr. was born on May 27, 1954, in Panama City, FL. Freeman enjoyed fish- ing, playing poker, and watching his favorite sports team, the Miami Dolphins.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, Freeman Best, Sr., and Annie Mell McGriff; step-father, James McGriff; brother, Willie B. Davenport; and daughter, Taffinee McGriff.
He leaves precious memo- ries with: his wife, Willie Ruth Best; children, Toynesia Best, Miki Best, Freeman Best, III, Jacqueline Handy (Greg), and Lucinda Jordan; stepchildren, Willie McLeod, Ashlie McLeod, Takia Reaves (Titus), Precious Porter, and Jasmine Jones (Daryl, Jr.); brother, Marvin Best; sisters, Lorraine Pace and Juanita Davenport; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, and great-grand- children.
The visitation will be held at Rome Church of Christ on Sat- urday, September 3rd, from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. The family and friends are asked to meet at the church on Saturday for the service. The repast will immedi- ately follow the funeral. We are following CDC guidelines.
“Aikens Funeral Home”
MR. ROBERT LEE DAVIS, JR.
It is with heavy hearts, the family of Robert “Bob” Lee Davis, Jr., announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great- grandfather, and friend. Robert transitioned in peace to his heav- enly home on August 18, 2022.
Homegoing services will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Allen Temple AME Church, located at 2101 North Lowe Street, Tampa, Florida 33605. Reverend Glenn B. Dames, Jr., will be officiating.
Robert Davis was born on a joyous Sunday in Tampa, Florida on April 18, 1948 to Robert Lee Davis, Sr. and Zenola Pugh Davis. He was a proud graduate from Middleton Senior High School, class of 1966. He continued his education at Florida A & M Uni- versity in Tallahassee, Florida. His favorite activities included fishing, aquatics, traveling, keep- ing up with current events, fine dining, and visiting different beaches. Robert had a strong passion for sports and enjoyed every season watching his fa- vorite teams, the Atlanta Falcons, the Atlanta Braves, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Robert became a trucking en- trepreneur and was employed at R & L Carrier in Tampa, Florida, Special Dispatch in Atlanta, Georgia, and Special Dispatch in Charlotte, North Carolina. After his trucking career ended,
Robert was employed by Tag- gart’s Driving School, where he expanded his passion to teach young adults how to drive safely on the roads in Georgia. Robert was later employed at ABM- Lanier Hunt at the Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, Robert Lee Davis, Sr. and Zenola Pugh Davis; and sis- ter, Anna Maria “Bonnie” Ivery Beauford.
He leaves precious memories with: his wife, Linda Dean Denise Reed-Davis; daughter, Robbi R. Davis-Greer; sons, Rashad R. Davis (Khaatim), Jamal D. Davis, Richard A. Davis (Tanya), and Roderick E. Davis; sister, Evelyne L. LaMar; grandchildren, Lauren R. Greer, Lawrence Ray Greer, III, Luke R. Greer, Richard A. Davis, II, Deana A. Davis, and Christian N. Davis; great-grand- daughter, Lola A. Smith; aunts, Hattie Byrd White, Annie Laura Jelks, Betty J. Mallard, Emma J. Pugh, and Mary E. Weems; uncle, Joe L. Weems (Willie Mae); sis- ter-in-law, Mayonie R. Taylor (Dexter); brother-in-law, Robert L. Reed, Jr.; niece, Tauvia E. Ivery; nephews, Martin H. LaMar (Dena), Ryan D. LaMar, and Eddie L. Ivery, Jr. (Riquita); cousins, Cheryl Byrd Washington (Shake), Dr. JaMia Washington Osunsanmi (Dr. Michael), and Allen L. Byrd (Jennifer); special friends, Rubin Alexander, Wil- ford G. White, Sr. (Gladys), Elmer M. Jones (Lowee’), Theophalas Watson (Doris), Ed- ward A. Cooper, Elliot E. Pyles (Gloria), John A. Bowden, Sr. (Alyson), and C. Fred Hearns; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The visitation will be held at Allen Temple AME Church on Saturday, September 3rd, from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. The family and friends are asked to meet at the church on Saturday for the service. The repast will immedi- ately follow the funeral. We are following CDC guidelines.
“Aikens Funeral Home”
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