Charles Banks

Charles Ray "Chip" Banks, 76, formerly of Chattanooga, passed away Sunday, July 21, 2024, in a local hospital. He was lovingly known as Chip, Chippy, C-Ryder, O’Shea O’Shea O’Shea, was born in Henderson, Texas on December 23, 1947. He moved from Texas to Buffalo, New York as a child and attended P.S. 79 and Burgard High School. After graduating high school, Chip enlisted into the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. While serving in the Navy, Chip was assigned to the Navy Arts and Communications Branch. In addition to his high priority communications responsibilities, he was the lead singer in the Navy Band that performed at special events and aboard ships stationed in Newport News, Virginia and Rhode Island. Chip was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1970. After his military service, Chip moved to Teaneck, NJ where he signed a recording contract with the Isley Brothers label T-Neck records. Chip was quite the singer and showman who was always meticulously dressed, had exquisite style, and loved the latest fashions. Eventually, Chip found his way back home to Buffalo and began a career at General Motors, General Mills, then Federal Express where he retired but returned to work at Fed-Ex as an Independent-Contractor until March 2024. In 1979, Chip met the beautiful Southern Bell Wanda Timmons from Chattanooga, Tennessee. She was visiting Buffalo, New York for the summer. Wanda was Chip’s kryptonite! He was crazy about Wanda and to the surprise of everyone who knew Chip, married Wanda the following year on August 2, 1980. Chip and Wanda moved to Atlanta, started a family, and resided there until recently as they were planning to relocate to Buffalo in April 2024. Unfortunately, upon completing cancer treatments in April, Chip experienced some health setbacks that culminated into the fight for his life. Chip committed his life to the Lord and eventually became an Ordained Minister in 1981 by The Fire Baptized Holiness Church of God. Chip loved sharing the word of GOD and encouraging people to know and accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. He wholeheartedly believed in GOD’s promise of salvation and eternal life, so he unapologetically lived what he believed and embarked on his mission to spread the gospel because he desired salvation and eternal life for all of us. Chip attended Buffalo State University for 4 years and was a candidate for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts. He was a lead actor in many productions while studying at Buffalo State. He wrote and produced a play called “Our Lan” which was performed at the Burchfield Arts Center. Chip was preceded in death by his father, Billie Banks; and mother, Eula Hyter Banks. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Wanda Timmons Banks; daughter, Celeste Hope Banks; son, Marcus Charles (LeNay) Banks; granddaughter, Phoenix “Feebie” Parker; sisters, Alnisa-Barbara, Yvonne, Billie (Kim); brothers, Bryant and John (Lisa); in-laws, Leona Adams, Mamie Green, Pauline Ford, Patricia Timmons, Charles Timmons, Ben Timmons, and Anthony Timmons; uncles, Raymond and Robert Thompson, along with his Black Rock Family, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Chip will lie-in-state on Friday, August 2, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m. in the chapel with Pastor Earnest Jefferson as the Eulogist. Burial in Chattanooga National Cemetery. DIRECTIONS FOR LIVE STREAM: Click on the Link Below: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcyMjM1MTc3OTE0MDU2ODgmb25lcm9vbS1lbWFpbCZpbnZpdGF0aW9uX2NvcHlfbGluaw==

Charles Banks

December 23, 1947 - July 21, 2024