Ruley F. Banks Jr., IR power plant retiree

Ruley F. Banks  Jr. of Milford, and formerly of Dagsboro, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Delaware Hospice Thursday, July 14, 2016. Born in Millville Nov. 23, 1928, Ruley was the son of the late Ruley F. Banks Sr. and Amelia “Millie” Coburn Banks. Mr. Banks attended and graduated from Lord Baltimore High School in 1946. He served our country in the U.S. Army with honor and distinction during the Korean War. Ruley was married to the late Hannah “Joan” Holland Banks in 1956 and they lived in Dagsboro for many years. 

Ruley is survived by his sons, Mark R. Banks of Milford and Brian K. Banks (Rhonda) of Salisbury, Md..; a brother, Sidney R. Banks of Dagsboro; a sister, Rosemary Banks Brown (Peter) of Hardscrabble; a brother, Stanley Banks (Patsy) of Millsboro; grandchildren Holly Banks Noyes (Andrew) of Sunnydale, Calif., and Bonnie Banks Vickers (Brian) of Seaford; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends. Besides Mr. Banks’ late wife, Hannah “Joan” Holland Banks, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Ralph L. Banks.

Mr. Banks had worked at the Indian River Power Plant for over 30 years, retiring in 1988. Starting near the bottom of the company ladder, he worked his way up to control room operator, and eventually shift engineer. Ruley was held in high regard by his co-workers. 

Mr. Banks had many hobbies. He loved amateur radio and was one of the founding members of the Sussex Amateur Radio Association Radio Club (S.A.R.A) in Millsboro, where he served as secretary, treasurer, vice president and president. Ruley enjoyed transmitting and receiving messages all across the country and around the world. Mr. Banks also fancied gardening. For many years, he grew corn, beans, squash, tomatoes and many other vegetables on the lot next to his house in Dagsboro. Later, the lot was converted into a horse pasture and Ruley became quite the horseman.

Ruley took great pleasure with volunteering in the community. He was a longtime member of the Millville United Methodist Church where he served in leadership positions. He was one of the instrumental individuals in establishing the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro, and one of the founding members of Post 24 American Legion in Dagsboro. Moreover, Mr. Banks taught basic computer classes to seniors at the Pyle Center, near Roxana. Furthermore, Mr. Banks was involved in many leadership roles for the Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troop 382 in Dagsboro during the late 1960s and early ‘70s while both of his sons participated.

A funeral service celebrating Ruley's Life will be held at the Millville United Methodist Church, 36405 Clubhouse Road, Millville, at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 21, where the viewing will be held from 9 to 11 a.m.. Interment with military honors will be held at 2 p.m., at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro. Pastor Brad Schutt will officiate. Floral tributes are welcome or contributions in Mr. Banks’ memory may be made to the Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

Electronic condolences may be made via www.watsonfh.com