Ronald Craig Banks, 70, of Conyers, GA (native of Palatka), entered the sunset of life on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at Piedmont Rockdale Hospital, Conyers, GA. A native of Palatka and son of William Henry and Carrie Banks, Ronald was born on February 5, 1951. As a child, Ronald accepted Christ into his life and was baptized. He was a member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church. He was a 1968 graduate of Central Academy High School, Palatka. He attended Florida Memorial College in Miami Gardens, and then became a proud soldier in the U.S. Marines from 1971-1977. He married his beautiful bride of 49 years, Martha Lee Thomas, on June 17, 1972. Immediately after they began their life together in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida.  In 1973, Ronald began his career as a U.S. Civil Servant, working as a vehicle maintenance technician on Eglin Air Force Base with the 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron.  He served in this role until retirement in 2007.  His love for BBQing led him to open a rib shack in Fort Walton Beach in the mid 80s. Faithful patrons enjoyed his delicious ribs, chicken, brisket, and homemade BBQ sauce.

After retiring, Ronald became an entrepreneur by starting BBB Transports.  He and his youngest son, LeCristen, contracted with FedEx Ground to deliver packages all over West Florida from 2007-2012. With his fleet of delivery vehicles he went on to employ a host of additional drivers.

Ronald's presence was always made known by the whistling of melodic tunes.  He was a hardworking man that cherished time with his family and always put them first. On any given day you could find him cooking blue crabs, shrimp, or BBQing for them.  Most importantly, he loved and served the Lord and faithfully shared God's Word with all that he encountered. His hobbies included: playing baseball and softball with his friends, watching various sports, repairing vehicles, reading the Word of God, and counseling anyone in need.

Ronald leaves to cherish his memories: his beloved wife , Martha L. Banks, Conyers, GA; children , Latisha M. Grady, Trenton, NC; Tavonya (Antonio) Strobridge, Waldorf, MD; Rhonda (Randy) Young, Conyers, GA; Bryan C. Banks, LeCristen (Kimberly) Banks, and Rosina (Errol) Boswell, all of Panama City; brother , Kenneth (Annie Ruth) Banks, Jacksonville; sister-in-law, Joyce Banks, Palatka; grandchildren , Jordan, Jaden, Kynnedy, Krysten, Brianna, Jeremiah, Nya, Camron, Ashton, Addison, Zuri; great-grandchild , Roman; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

(Mandatory CDC guidelines for social distancing and masks required): Visitation of family and friends will be 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, September 21 at Flagg Serenity Chapel, 2400 Madison Street, Palatka. Celebration of Life will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, September 22 at the Putnam County Fairgrounds, 118 Fairgrounds Rd, East Palatka. Rev. Karl N. Flagg, Senior Pastor, Mt. Tabor 1 ^st Baptist Church, Palatka, is the eulogist. Interment: Jacksonville National Cemetery, Jacksonville.