William "Lewis" Bankston

Mr. William “Lewis” Bankston, 89, of Smiths Station, Alabama, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at Arabella Health & Wellness of Phenix City, Alabama.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm EST on Tuesday December 30, 2025, in the chapel of Vance Brooks Funeral Home located at 3738 Highways 431 North, Phenix City, AL 36867, with Rev. Stanley Collins and Rev. Andy Stinson officiating. A private interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00 pm EST.

Mr. Bankston was born on May 28, 1936, in Russell County, Al, the son of William Edward Bankston and Mattie Marie Bankston. At 16 years old Lewis began working for Lummis Industries and remained a dedicated employee for 47 years until retiring as a Fabrication Shop Foreman. Mr. Bankston was the devoted husband to his beloved wife, Patricia Bankston, for 64 years until her passing in 2022. He worked hard to ensure she never had to work and spent his time admiring her and tending to whatever she asked of him. Lewis was known as the rock of the family and always put his family first. He spent time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as often as he could and cherished every minute. Mr. Bankston was very involved at Faith Temple Assembly of God, where he was a member for many years. He loved people, never having met a stranger, and gave everyone a warm welcome. Lewis was funny, always having a joke to share, and was very outgoing. He was fearless, strong, and caring. In his free time, he enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, and enjoying the beauty of nature. He frequently went to Panama City Beach, Florida, to enjoy the beach and deep-sea fish. Mr. Bankston will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

Other than his wife, Patricia Bankston, and parents, William Edward and Mattie Marie Bankston, Mr. Bankston is preceded in death by his brothers, Tommy Bankston and Tony Bankston.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Sharon Carter and husband Bryant of Smiths Station, Al, and Kim Collins and husband Mike of Phenix City, Al; son, William “Bill” Bankston and wife Tina of Smiths Station, Al; grandchildren, Lynsey Cannon (Justin), Joshua Carter, Katelyn Smith (Caleb), Kobe Collins, Jessica Selman (Daniel), Will Bankston, and Christopher Crick (Thia); and great-grandchildren, Carter, Parker, Emilee, Adalee, Jaxon, Truitt, Gracelyn, Lainey, and Maryssa.