Carlton Banks

Carlton Bryan Banks, 86, of Beaufort, passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at Crystal Coast Hospice House.

Family and friends will be received at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 26, at the Core Creek United Methodist Church with a 3:00 p.m. church service followed by internment at Carteret Memorial Gardens.

Carlton was the most patient and content husband, father, and friend.  He loved his family and the home they built.  He found joy in the good and simple things in life.  Carlton grew up on a family farm where his mother taught him to garden and provide nourishment for his family and community.  Gardening was a passion that he shared with Ellen and passed on to his family. He tended a beautiful and bountiful garden every year, including last season, and this year his family will continue his tradition.  He shared his ability to fix things with whoever needed his help. His years as a Shriner brought him much satisfaction and good company.  He is cherished by many and will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, the love and light of his life, Ellen Banks; son, Walter Bryan Banks and wife Patty of Beaufort; daughters, Deborah Banks of Greensboro, and Wanda Prillaman and husband Garner of McLean, Va.; four brothers, Jesse Banks of New Bern; Paul Banks and wife Rowena of New Bern; Franklin Delano Banks and wife June of Morehead City; Joseph Banks and wife Dot of New Bern; two sisters, Elizabeth Jones of Northfield, New Jersey; and Ruth Moore and husband Gerald of Morehead City; and the joy of his life, eight grandchildren, Casey, Jack, Amanda, Joseph, Zachary, Courtney, Anderson and Mary Claire; and blessed to have seven great grandchildren Alijah, Nolan, Brody, Harrison, Emmalyn, Adelais, and Aidan.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Lewis Banks, his mother, Lillie Hagans Banks, and his son, Jeffery Banks.

Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be made to Core Creek United Methodist Church Building Fund, 124 Hardesty Loop Road, Newport, NC 28570.