Ray Banks (Ernie) died peacefully on June 19th, 2023 in Plano, Tx. He was born on June 22nd, 1937 in East Boston, Massachusetts to parents James Aubrey and Esmerelda Banks. He graduated from Boston English High School where he enjoyed history, art, music and sports. He loved spending his summers with his extended family in Nova Scotia. As an adult he moved to the city of Revere to raise his family and was a very active member of the community. In addition to a successful 35 year career at the Bank of Boston, he was a member of the Revere Chamber of Commerce, White Street Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Revere. During this time he discovered his love for singing, and continued to perform throughout his life as a soloist, in duets, quartets, and at weddings. Ray had a deep love for sports, and coached many youth sports teams. He and his son Jim hosted a talk show called Sports RoundUp for many years, interviewing numerous sports celebrities. He also wrote The Sports Bank, a weekly column for the Revere Journal. He always looked forward to attending the yearly Red Sox spring training in Florida. Later in life, he moved to Plano, Texas to be with family and opened one of the first Dunkin Donuts in Irving. He was an active member of North Irving Baptist Church where his greatest joys were serving the families at the Ronald McDonald house, visiting senior living facilities, and dressing up as Santa Claus at Christmas time. As his health declined in his last years, he was so grateful for the close support and help of his many family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Blanche Lyons, Isa Lang, and Audrey Gabarino. He is survived by Dorothy Banks; son Jim Banks (Rhonda); daughter Jennifer Yousef; daughter Nicole Banks; grandchildren Ali Tellini (Joseph); Jordan Yousef and Logan Yousef; great granddaughters Lucia, Gemma, Nora, and Emmelia Tellini; sister and brother in law Barbara and Bill Salter, as well as countless extended family members and friends. His celebration of life will be held on Thursday, July 6th at 11am at North Irving Baptist Church with a reception to follow. Cremation arrangements by Lone Star Cremation.
8 Responses
Ray was without a doubt the best Uncle anyone could ever have .I feel blessed to have had him in my life, and I treasure ❤️ all my memories of him . He was always there for my Mom and I will never forget how much we all appreciated knowing he was only a phone call away . Rest in peace
Uncle Ray I will love and miss you always 🙏
Ray, Ivan, Serge… the many personas – what a guy. A man’s man. Heart worn on his sleeve and what a wonder friend of our family; always asking about our family especially Kanon. My singing partner.. how he loved the oldies . I will cherish his friendship and getting to know his children who have always shown love beyond compromise in there actions not just words. Sincerest condolences to the families. We were so lucky to share his stories. He had quite a few! God Bless.
Ray was a nice man. I enjoyed his company the times we were together. RIP Ray.
My Deepest Sympathies to Ray’s family and Texas friends who shared Ray’s light with me. I was blessed to have met him through Geno and Mary Jane and so enjoyed Ray’s humor and singing!
Missing all from South Carolina.
My prayers are with you. x Shelly
I remember with great joy as I served as Pastor and friend of Ray and Dorothy . In addition to being his Pastor he and I enjoyed many activities together. His faith in Jesus Christ gives us the assurance he is with his Lord and and Savior!
I had the joy of serving as Pastor and friend for many years as Ray was a faithful member of First Baptist Revere, Mass. In addition we both follow d the Boston teams and I have fond memories as he and I interviewing a number of Bruins players. Ray loved his Lord and Savior and sang His praises!
Guys – so sorry to see the passing of your father. From experience, there is really nothing that will assuage the loss of a parent except fond memories and hope they find a better place!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Heather and Bruce
Ray was my first boss at the First National Bank of Boston/ Bank of Boston, my first
full time job right out of High School in 1973. He always greeted us every work morning with his customary Guten Morgen. 🙂 A good guy. A real Boston Guy.