Asheville - Lawrence Eugene Banks, 71, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at Aston Park Health Care Center after an extended illness.

A native of Madison County, he lived most of his life in Buncombe County. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was a member of Laurel Pines Baptist Church and retired from Ball Mfg. after 30 years of service. His graduating class at Erwin High School voted him "Most Talented." He continued to use the vocal talent that God gave him.

He was a son of the late Lewis and Virgie Banks. He was also preceded in death by sisters, Louise Huey, Theo Wise and Louella Penley.

Surviving are his daughters, Sharon Miller and husband Herbert of Fairview, Misty Wooten and husband Marc of Asheville and Gina Moore and husband Shaw of Asheville; grandchildren, Joshua Miller and wife Ashley, Rebecca Miller, Jessica Huntley, Justina Huntley, Garrett Huntley and Mason Wooten; great grandson, Colton Miller; the mother of his children, Jean Banks; brothers, Lewis Glenn Banks, Robert Banks and King Banks: sisters, Bernice Mackey, Marjorie Penley, Marietta Cogburn, Alice Bowlin, Carol Young and Judy Herron and special recognition to Mrs. Mavoureen Sexton who was like a second mother to him.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Thursday at Anders-Rice Funeral Home with the Rev. Tony Parham officiating.

Entombment will be in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Aston Park Health Care Center for their loving care.

Memorials may be made to: Hearts With Hands, P.O. Box 6444, Asheville, NC 28816 or to: Care Partners Adult Day Services, 68-A Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville, NC 28803.