Johnny Willbanks' Obituary
Rudder Funeral Home 256-437-2971
P. O. Box 525, 45015 Ala. Hwy. 277
Stevenson, AL 35772
Johnny Gene Willbanks
June 6, 1950 ~ July 28, 2010
Rossville, Georgia
Johnny Gene Willbanks, 60 of Rossville, Georgia, lost his battle with cancer and went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 6:30 in the evening.
Johnny was born June 6, 1950 in Stevenson, Alabama to John Basil Willbanks, Sr. and Robie Mae Knight Willbanks. He was the third of five children.
Johnny lived in various places, among them Stevenson, AL, Rossville, GA and Swainsboro, GA. All of these places have friends and family that have been left behind.
Johnny was preceded in death by his father John Basil Willbanks, Sr., his mother, Robie Mae Knight Willbanks, and an infant brother, John Basil Willbanks, Jr. and several uncles, aunts and grandparents.
Johnny did many types of work in his life, but most recently worked with Quality Air Heating and Air Conditioning in Swainsboro, Georgia where he lived for several years before returning to his home town of Rossville, Georgia.
He served our country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era from 1970 until 1973. He was stationed in Zirndorf, Germany during his term of service.
He is survived by a brother, James Calvin (Judy) Willbanks, Sr. of Tunnel Hill, Georgia, two sisters: Brenda Kay Gray (Gene Trammel) of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Patricia Louise (Dale) Avans of Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.
He is also survived by two daughters and several grandchildren that he deeply regretted not having known better, Candace Danielle Willbanks and Sheree Antoinette Willbanks.
Johnny is survived by many cousins, nephews and nieces. Other survivors include a dear friend and former employer, Ricky Stevens, Owner of Quality Air in Swainsboro, GA. and many coworkers.
Johnny was of the Baptist faith and attended church as he was able, but usually listened to his favorite programs on television and worshipped his Lord through his constant daily prayers.
Johnny wanted to say to those that he did not have a chance to make amends with at the end, that he loved them and asked for their forgiveness.
The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of Chattanooga and NHC of Rossville for the care they gave while Johnny was battling the cancer that took his life.
Services will be held at Rudder Funeral Home, 45015 Alabama Highway 277 in Stevenson, Alabama on Friday, July 30, at 3 PM CDT. www.rudderfuneralhomes.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Johnny?
What’s a lesson you learned from Johnny?
Share a story where Johnny's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Johnny you’ll never forget.
How did Johnny make you smile?