Ernest Oneolin Banks

Ernest Oneoline Banks, 74, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on Friday, April 2, 2021.

Ernest was born on October 28, 1946 in Buncombe County to the late James Everette Banks, Sr. and the late Helen Roberts Coffee.  Ernest is also preceded in death by his stepmother, Dixie Lavada Banks; his twin brothers, Donald and Larry Banks, brothers, Robert “Bobby” L. Banks, James Everette Banks, Jr;  Sisters: Mary Banks, Ruth Pettit, Wanda Banks and Step Brother Chad Golightly.

Ernest worked at Community Cash Grocery for 33 years and then was employed as a stone mason for Banks Construction until his retirement.

Aside from his career, Ernest was a founding member of Dana Volunteer Fire Department.  He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Ernest is survived by his wife of 19 years, Elinor “Susan” Banks; daughters, Mary Ann (Banks) Borgersen (Eric) of Hendersonville, NC, Melody Faye Banks of Hendersonville, NC, Stepchildren: Shyloew Susan (Johnson) Blue (Jason) of Edneyville, NC, and James Lee “JJ” Johnson (Hunter) of Fletcher, NC. Grandchildren: Chris Goforth, Greg Praytor, Brad Praytor, Casey Wells, Justin Wells , Neo Blue, Breanna “Bre” Johnson, Ryland Hoots, Coen Blue, Carter Johnson, and Zayden Johnson; great-grandchildren, Brice Cochran, Mason Praytor, and Sadie Praytor; sisters, Darlene Puttnam (Bob) of Leicester, NC and Jackie (Banks) Morrow, (Clinton) of Flat Rock, NC,.  Brothers: Timothy C Banks (Kim) of Edneyville, NC and Preston Golightly (Ann) of Travelers Rest, SC.  Ernest is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received for a visitation at Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Hendersonville, NC on Sunday, April 11, 2021 from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 PM.  There will be a graveside service immediately following at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ernest’s memory to Dana Fire Department, 2001 Dana Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792.