David Alfred Banks, founded family business
David Alfred Banks, 84, of Georgetown, passed away following a lengthy illness Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, at home surrounded by family.
Born Dec. 18, 1937, to Walter and Dorothy (Williamson) Banks of Millsboro, David graduated from Georgetown High School in 1955. In September 1959, David married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Frances Stockley of Georgetown, and they shared 63 wonderful years together.
David had a passion for all things mechanical, and he enjoyed working on tractors, cars, antique vehicles and just about anything with a motor. That interest became a career when he went to work for Okies Inc. in 1955. He later became that company’s president before starting his own agriculture and lawn equipment business, David A. Banks Inc., in 1978. His legacy continues through that family-run business that serves the community from Stockley.
David A. Banks Inc. was among the top-performing Cub Cadet dealerships across the country for decades. As a result, David enjoyed traveling on incentive trips to locations near and far, fully taking advantage of any adventure that came his way. From enjoying a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon and navigating an ATV on mountainous terrain in Hawaii, to snowmobiling in Colorado and exploring ruins in Rome, David lived life to the fullest. He even was among the first guests to visit Walt Disney World during its opening year with his family.
First and foremost, David was a family man who instilled his strong work ethic, sense of family values and the importance of a good education within each of them. He was proud to be the first member of his family to graduate from high school, and he celebrated other family members’ accomplishments through high school, college and doctoral work with pride.
David is survived by his wife, Mary Stockley Banks of Georgetown; daughter, Lou Anne Banks of Fort Lauderdale; sons, Mark Banks of Georgetown, Keith Banks of Lewes, and Kyle Banks (wife Michele) of Georgetown; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Joyce White (husband Gerald) of Georgetown; and sisters-in-law Dollie Banks of Millsboro, Virginia Banks of Georgetown, and Katherine Ritter (husband Ronnie) of Lewes. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his brothers Harry Banks and Harvey Banks.
The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 6, at Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown. Services will be private, with interment at Union Cemetery in Georgetown.
Memorial contributions may be made in David’s memory to Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, 30265 Commerce Drive, Unit 205, Millsboro, DE 19966.
The family wishes to thank the Seasons team, as well as granddaughter Aimee Banks, and friends Ridna, Naomi, and Mady for their loving care.
Online condolences or tributes are welcome for the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.
