Ronald J. "Ron" Bankson

Ronald Joe Bankson, age 75, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Monday, December 30th, at his home in Calhoun, Georgia. He was born on January 4, 1949, in Gadsden, Alabama, where he later met his lifelong love, Mrs. Wanda Watkins Bankson. Ron and Wanda are forever sweethearts; this year, they would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. In 1973, Ron was called to the ministry and has been in the pastoral ministry for over 50 years. 

Ron earned his Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s in Religious Education at Covington Theological Seminary. At 69 years old, he earned his Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Liberty University; he completed the 4-year program in 2 years, emphasizing his dedication and heart to help people. Ron has served many churches in his lifetime; most recently, he has been pastoring Fellowship Baptist Church for eight years. He was a Georgia Hope and Agape Therapeutic Services counselor for many years. He was an instructor at Covington Theological Baptist Seminary and Tennessee Temple University. Ron has also served on the board of the Southern Baptist Association. 

In Ron’s younger years, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and taking his family on vacations. His eyes always lit up when he could contribute to his wife's or family's happiness. He also had a strong passion for reading, studying about God, and learning how to help others. Over his years of pastoring, he has accumulated over 6,000 sermons. Ron wrote a sermon outline book for preachers and authored two books, Healing for the Broken Hearted and Dealing with Depression and Related Disorders – A Practical Approach. 

Ron and Wanda have three sons, Michael Keith Bankson (Lori), Joseph Kelton Bankson (Jennifer), and David Lamar Bankson (March 9, 1969 – June 1, 1992). Ron dearly loved his two grandchildren, Michael Keith Bankson, Jr. and Robert Andrew Bankson (Callie) and his great-grandson, Oidn Andrew Bankson. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Louie Joe and Rosa Faye Bankson, and his son David Lamar Bankson.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Fellowship Baptist Church, 796 Plainville Road SW, Plainville, GA 30733. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. EST, and the funeral will begin at 12:00 p.m. EST. Interment will follow at Rainbow Memorial Gardens, 1440 W Grand Avenue, Gadsden, AL 35904. 

Keith Bankson, Duane Metcalf, Matthew Drake, Heath Watkins, Jim Watkins, and Tyler Davidson will be pallbearers. Kevin Maddox and David Slaton will be honorary pallbearers. 

The family asks that floral offerings be omitted and contributions be made in Rev. Bankson's memory to assist the family with the final expenses. You can contribute on our secure funeral home site just below the obituary.