Charles Louis Bankester

Charles Louis Bankester (aka Charlie, Bo, or Southbell) born 11/6/1946 in Bromley, AL left this earth to join his Heavenly Father on 4/28/2019 at the age of 72. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Charles Irwin and Anna Mary White Bankester, his great-grandparents Louis and Elva Issacson Bankester, great-great-grandparents Lewis and Artemesia Olivia Miller Bankester as well as his grandson Thomas John McGarrity IV.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 37 years, Rebecca (Becky) Rogers Bankester, two daughters Martha Charlene Bankester McGarrity (Tim) Devargas and Karen Louise Bankester Watkins as well as his sister Mary Louise Bankester (Laurie) McMillan. Seven grandchildren: Crystal Devargas (Daniel) Kinkade, Caitlin Marie McGarrity Devargas (Jesse) Vigil, Charles Bankester Watkins, Alison Lucy Watkins Deakle (Lukas) Roberts, Zachary James Watkins, Sean Louis McGarrity Devargas and Elizabeth Grace Watkins. Blessed with 11 great-grandchildren: Beau Vigil, Tanner Vigil, Domanick Jay Kinkade, Lilianna Deakle, Bryson Derek Vigil, Brandon Tyler Deakle II, Emerson Matthew Vigil, James Riley Kinkade, Ash Luka Roberts, and twins Ryker Vincent Vigil & Reagan Pauline Vigil. Also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many special friends.

He retired from a long career with AT&T in 2001 after 32 years and “seven days.” Charlie was a man of many talents and interest. From cattle farming, hunting, fishing to spending time with family and friends. He was a Mason, Scottish Rite and Shriner who loved to help children. Charlie coached city league football for years as well as softball in Bay Minette.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at the chapel of Norris Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Durant Cemetery in Bromley.

The family will receive friends Thursday, May 2, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. service at Norris Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Sean Devargas, Zach Watkins, Aaron Godwin, Blake Buxton, James Godwin and Ammy Ray.

In lieu of flowers, Charlie and family would appreciate donations to the Abba Shrine Transportation Fund, 7701 Hitt Road, Mobile, AL 36695, that carries children from the area back & forth to the Shriners’ Hospitals for treatment.

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