Ray Hagan Banks, 91, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at home. Ray was born September 11, 1928, in Spanish Fork, Utah to John Delbert and Mary Sophia Jex Banks. He married Patricia Stevens in the Manti LDS temple on June 2, 1955.
Ray attended school in Spanish Fork, Utah. He was active in the Future Farmers of America, including being president of the organization in 1948. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a teaching credential from BYU-Provo. He later earned a Masters Degree in General Administration. He worked for the Fontana Unified School District from 1955 to 1992.
Ray served many callings throughout the years including a Netherlands mission, teaching seminary for 10 years, Scoutmaster, Stake Executive Secretary, Bishop, counselor in Fontana Stake Presidency and couples’ missions with his wife in St. Petersburg, Russia, Thailand, and they managed the Springville Home Storage Center for 18 months.
Ray enjoyed traveling and spending time camping outdoors. Five times he took scouts on a week-long 50-mile hike in King’s Canyon National Park. Over the years he visited 48 of the United States, and several countries.
He is survived by his wife Pat, of Spanish Fork, Utah; children Jay (Jean) Banks, Orange, California; Ken (Tina) Banks, Moreno Valley, California; Bryce (Clare) Banks, St George, Utah; Kathryn (Larry) Wolod, Houston, Texas; Brynna (Scott) Cadman, Etiwanda, California; Duane (Kirsten) Banks, Kaysville, Utah; Karen (Shane) Gillett, Houston, Texas; Glenn (Debby) Banks, Jersey Village, Texas; Mike (JoLynn) Banks, Gold Bar, Washington; 23 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and sister Annie (Arlin) Ewell, Garland, Utah. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Lois (Ernest) Roach, brother Bill (Mable) Banks, brother John (Maxine) Banks, brother Richard (Marge) Banks, and one grandson.
Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 25th at 585 N. Main Street, Spanish Fork. The viewing will be from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning at the same location.
Interment will follow at the Spanish Fork Cemetery.
3 Condolences for Ray Hagan Banks
Condolences(3)
Bill Freeman says
January 24, 2020 at 3:38 amWhat a heartbreak. Ray was one of my heroes. Condolences to all of the Banks family
Pat Sagers says
January 25, 2020 at 4:01 amPat, I was sorry to hear about Ray’s passing. You and Ray were always so faithful to come to the Family History Center and cover your shift every Monday – right up to the end of Ray’s life. We will truly miss him coming and supporting you so well. We could tell it was very difficult for him to walk up the stairs carrying his oxygen tank – especially towards the end. He was a remarkable man! I know that you know that he is very happy with his new adventures and that you will see him again. Hugs!
Diana Reynolds says
January 25, 2020 at 6:14 amRay was and is an amazing man. He touched our family with his love and genuine interest in our lives. His talent for teaching and knowledge of the scriptures influenced for good his seminary students. Our boys learned to love the scriptures through his teachings.He also taught our boys to love hiking and camping. He lived a valiant life and now he is free to continue teaching and ministering. We are blessed to have known Ray.