Grant Banks, Jr., 86, of RoseCrest Retirement Center, Inman SC formerly of Spindale, died Tuesday, August 25 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. A native of Rockcastle County, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Grant and Bertha Mae Cummins Banks. He was a retired science teacher for the Rutherford County Schools, having taught 32 years at RS Central High School. He was active in the Spindale Rotary Club, where he held various offices and was a Paul Harris Fellow, a member of NEA and NCAE, was District Teacher of the Year in 1979, and was a member of Spencer Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher and deacon. Mr. Banks was a 1948 graduate of Berea College and in 1952 received a Masters degree from Appalachian State University. He did further graduate work at UNC, Marquette University, Converse College, Boston College, South Dakota School of Mines and Engineering, and the University of Colorado.

He is survived by one daughter, Susan Banks Burdine (Dewey) of Spartanburg, SC; one son, Kelly Grant Banks (Lesa) of Roebuck, SC; four grandchildren, Matthew Burdine, Dr. Steven Burdine (Laura), Laura Banks Masse (Ryan) and Grant Banks; and one great grandchild, Charlotte Burdine; and one sister, Betty Jo Banks Farmer of Jonesborough, TN.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Hardin Banks: two brothers, Edward and Homer; and two sisters, Irene and Jean.

Funeral services will be held 12 PM Saturday August 29, 2009
at Spencer Baptist Church with Rev. Billy Vaughn and Rev. Bruce Caldwell officiating. The family will receive friends 10 â€" 11:45 AM in the Family Life Center of Spencer Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Spencer Baptist Church, 207 North Oak Street, Spindale, NC 28160 or to the Berea College Fund, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404.