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Banks Darrell Williams Sr., age 91, passed away peacefully at his home on May 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and family. Born in Davidson, North Carolina, Banks spent 66 years in the family home in Cornelius, North Carolina, where he devoted his life to raising his family and creating a home filled with love, strength, and lasting memories. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose warm and generous presence touched all who knew him. Banks was blessed to share 66 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Katy. Together, they built a life rooted in love, partnership, and deep connection to their community, forming lasting friendships with countless people along the way. His greatest joy and passion was his family. Banks cherished every moment spent with his family, especially when sharing his love of the outdoors. He spent many summers taking his family camping and fishing along the Carolina coast where he helped foster a lifelong love of the outdoors, swimming, boating, and fishing in his children and grandchildren. He loved tending to his garden and found happiness in life's simple pleasures. He delighted in sharing the fruits of his labor, especially his homegrown tomatoes, with anyone who walked through his door. Banks was always ready to lend a helping hand to family, friends, and neighbors. Known for his remarkable ability to fix just about anything, he could repair a car, stop a leak, or tackle any challenge that came his way. His strength, resourcefulness, and unwavering dedication to others will be remembered by all who knew and loved him. He was a lifelong and faithful member of Davidson United Methodist Church, where he began attending at the age of eight and remained a member throughout his life. His deep faith guided him, and he was actively involved in the church across generations. An accomplished carpenter, Banks brought his skills and vision to life by constructing a beautiful mountain home in Fancy Gap, Virginia. Nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, he spent many peaceful days surrounded by nature and the close friends he made there. He found a second church home at Blue Ridge Chapel Baptist Church in Galax, Virginia, where he cherished being part of the congregation and fellowship. Banks graduated from North Mecklenburg High School in 1954, where he was a standout athlete. He excelled in football, baseball, and basketball, leading his teams with determination and grit. His love of sports continued well beyond high school. Banks remained active in local and church softball leagues. He devoted time mentoring young athletes as a coach in the North Mecklenburg Athletic Association, sharing his passion for sports and leaving a lasting impact on many young lives. Banks faithfully served his community, retiring after 26 years as an engineer with the Charlotte Fire Department at stations 7 and 12. He was also part of the founding group of the North Mecklenburg Rescue Squad in 1959. He earned the nickname "Pine Knot," and was affectionately known as "Knot" by his friends and fellow firefighters for his ingenuity and determination in the line of duty. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1955 to late 1958. During his service, he worked as an aviation mechanic and spent much of his time stationed in Hawaii. His service took him across the South Pacific, traveling from island to island to repair aircraft. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 86 of Cornelius, NC. Banks was a dedicated member of Williams Masonic Lodge No. 176 for 59 years, and was committed to service and brotherhood. He held the distinction of 32nd Degree Mason and was a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Charlotte. He is survived by his beloved wife, Katy Gerrard Williams; his daughters, Laura Williams of Webster, Massachusetts; Karen Williams and her husband, Ben McPherron, of Boone, North Carolina; and his son, Banks Darrell Williams Jr. and his wife, Brandi Williams, of Troutman, North Carolina. He is also survived by his sister, Jackie Cruse of Church Hill, Maryland. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Joshua Banks Pring and his wife, Caitlin Pring; Jordan Reese and her husband, Alex Reese; Edith Goins and her husband, Cole Goins; James Williams; and Katy Belle Williams. Banks was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Lena Mae Reese and Banks Wyatt Pring. His also survived by his son-in law, Scott Hill. He was preceded in death by his loving daughter, Susan Hill; his mother, Edith Morrow Williams; his father, Otto Bennet Williams Sr.; and his brothers, Otto "Buster" Williams Jr. and Jimmy Williams. Family visitation will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home in Mooresville, NC. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Davidson United Methodist Church in Davidson. Interment will follow at Mimosa Cemetery in Davidson. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to VIA Health Partners and to the Veteran's Administration for the compassionate and loving care they provided to Banks during his final months. They are especially grateful for the friendship he developed with Charlie Bogunia from Cornerstone Caregiving, who spent many hours by his side as a faithful home companion. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Susan Hill Nursing Oncology Scholarship at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. https://give.charlotte.edu/ascendportal/s/give?dsgt=FD-H10528&amt=49 Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Williams family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

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Banks Darrell Williams

May 8, 1935 - May 21, 2026