Reginald Lionel Bankston, 88, of Magnolia, MS passed away November 16, 2024 at his residence, surrounded by his children.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Hartman Jones Funeral home from 10:00 AM until services at 11:00 AM. A graveside service will be held at Terry's Creek Baptist Church following services. Bro. Jeremy Greer will officiate. Hartman Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Reggie was a man of God. Born to Levi Bankston and Eloise Stewart Bankston in Magnolia Mississippi on September 8, 1936.  Reggie was an honorable and hard-working man who felt he was blessed by God when introduced to his wife, Ilene Bankston.  Immediately in love and married 6 weeks later.  He continued to love her tremendously through-out his life.  They were so close that she knew all of his stories so well that it took both of them to fully understand it all.  He was forgiving and kind, humble and devout. Never an idol man joining the US Army at 20 years old, then working 24 years as a blacksmith for the Illinois Central Railroad, retired from the Pike County CWC as a correctional officer, all while running a personal lawncare business.  Along with his wife, he believed in providing for their family by growing a garden large enough to feed a family of 7. He loved his garden and he loved sharing from his bounty. He valued being frugal and focusing on functionality always fixing things before buying something new.  He kept God in every part of his life. His Bible was never far from his seat and words of prayer were always on his lips. As a member of Unity Baptist Church he found a religious community that he could serve the Lord. Going to church gave him great peace and grace. His daily prayers always included his children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.  His greatest joy was when he was surrounded by his entire family.  We could often find him standing back watching the chaos of the Bankstons with a smile on his face and love in his eyes.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ilene Smith Bankston, and a son Jason Bankston, a sister Patsy Alexander and his brother T.J. Bankston.

He is survived by his sons Steve Bankston of Tylertown, MS and Scott Bankston of Magnolia, MS, his daughters Regina Scott (Carl) of Ponchatoula, LA and Melissa Bankston of Magnolia, MS, grandchildren Shane Bankston (Jessica), Marissa Reynolds, Keely Bankston, Chase Finley, Lexie Finley, great grandchildren Levi Bankston, Lincoln Bankston, Brantley Reynolds, Derek Reynolds, Rylee Reynolds, River Reynolds, Braylen Pappas, Avree Pappas, Isabella Pappas, a brother Victor Bankston (Joann) of Magnolia, along with numerous other relatives, and friends of Unity Baptist Church.

Pallbearers will be Shane Bankston, Chase Finley, Len Smith, Ronnie Prescott, Ray Campbell, Larkin Elliott, Billy Smith, and Blaine Townsend.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Deacons of Unity Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers donations in Mr. Reginald Bankston's memory can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105