Willie Bankston Jr

Willie Bankston, Jr. of Anadarko, Oklahoma passed away on June 29, 2024, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 69. April 14, 1955, was a very special day for the Bankston family. Willie and Dora Lee had their beautiful baby boy, Willie Jr., and “The Girls” as he called them had their little brother. Willie was his families pride and joy. He was a wonderful person and had many friends. As a young child, Willie was baptized and joined Westside Baptist Church of Decatur, Alabama, under pastor George Smith. He was in the Crusaders and in the choir. Willie had a great singing voice. During childhood, he participated in the Boy Scouts of America. As well as, the Youth Baseball and Football Association for many years. Willie began his education at Orr’s Kindergarten and proceeded through the Decatur City School System. He graduated from Austin High School in 1973. Later that same year, Willie joined the United States Army. He served at Fort Sill, Germany, and Korea. He worked in the artillery division and retired in 1985. After retirement, Willie married his beautiful wife Natalie. They lived in Seattle Washington and Decatur, Alabama, before deciding to make their home in Anadarko, Oklahoma. During his years in Oklahoma, Willie made many friends. Some called him “B”. He worked at a popular barbecue restaurant called KIGQ for several years and the owner spoke very highly of Willie Jr. Left to cherish the memory of Willie are wife Natalie Bankston of Anadarko, OK; children, Erica Horton of Decatur, AL, Clemente Gibbs of Seattle, WA; sisters, Carol Harris of Decatur, AL, and Rachel Brown (Fred) of Decatur, AL; nieces, Sheila, Shaundora, Donna, and Stephanie; and nephews, David, Freddie, and Michael. Willie has many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and other relatives. Willie is preceded in death by his parents Willie Sr. and Dora Lee Bankston; his children, Wes Barton and Derrick Smith; his sisters, Emma Grider and Dorothy Watts; and one niece, Myra. Due to health concerns and travel restrictions the family kindly asks for no live plants. Visitation for Willie will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024, from 9 AM till 11 AM, at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service for Willie will be held at 11:00 AM, on Friday, July 5, 2024, at the Smith Funeral Home chapel, with Reverend Justin Pendarvis officiating. Willie will be laid to rest following the service at the Memory Lane Cemetery in Anadarko, Oklahoma. Services are under the direction of Smith Funeral Home in Anadarko, Oklahoma. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.smithfuneralservices.com

Willie Bankston Jr

April 14, 1955 - June 29, 2024

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