Franklin James ("Franky") Banks, II

Franklin James Banks, II

Franky was "everything" in life. In his short time here on earth, he lived each day with joy in his heart. A unique and charismatic soul has found an even greater joy in Heaven. He truly lived his BEST LIFE while here on earth and taught others how to do the same.

We will miss him forever.......

Franklin James Banks, II (Franky) shined brighter than the sun. He was charismatic and humble.  Born on June 25, 1998, Franky was the third of four children born to Frank and Carole Banks, born in Mobile, AL. Immediately, they knew that he had an electric personality. In Elementary School, he was chosen as the child that students most wanted to be friends with. People were instantly drawn to him.

Franklin accepted Christ at an early age and understood the word of God. He was obedient and faithful, worshipping on Sundays and attending Sunday School. He served actively in several capacities including Sunday School Youth Superintendent and Crusaders member. He also served his church as the Sound Technician until he went away to college. Whenever Franky was home from school, he would move through the church, hugging and shaking hands with his church family. Unselfish and civic minded, he volunteered his time in the church and his community. He was proud to be a part of the “Feeding 500 Families” project each year.

Franky made friends throughout his school years and excelled in athletics. He was a true athlete and in his short life, he engaged in various extracurricular activities, including Robotics and Band. At the tender age of 7 he started playing football for the Monroeville Youth Football League. By the time he was in high school, he had mastered the skill of playing on both sides of the ball. Never afraid to take on a challenge, he decided he wanted to be the Kicker/Punter. He put in the work and was added to Special Teams. Franky begged his coach to give him a shot at Quarterback. When that request was declined, he began throwing before and after practice, hoping his talents would be noticed. They were. By his Senior year, Franky was Monroe County High School’s starting Quarterback, leading the team to a winning season.  He began playing Varsity Baseball in the 7th grade. Franky moved around the diamond and behind the plate before taking his rightful place on the mound. His talents were noted throughout the state.  From Babe Ruth to High School, he received numerous recognitions: Captain of the Baseball Team (2015-2016), State Class 4A Baseball Golden Glove Award (2016), MCHS Senior Award, Cy Young Award (2015 and 2016), MCHS Quarterback Award (2015), Varsity Baseball MVP (2015) and Varsity Highest Batting Average (2015) to name a few. The coaches at the high school eyed him early, and were anxious to develop his talents after he moved up from the Middle School. He spent his Freshman year on the JV team, before moving up to Varsity his Sophomore year. It wasn’t long before he had earned a starting position as one of the best defensive athletes in the county. He was named to the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s All-Tournament Team for Regionals and to J.F. Shields’ All-tournament Team, but these were just two of his outstanding achievements. He was a combination of speed and wit. He was a motivator and many drew from his energy. At the end of his Senior year, when all sports appeared to be over, Franky tried his hand at Track and Field. He received outstanding marks in the 4x100 relay, Long Jump and Triple Jump.

A well-loved and popular young man, Franky had charisma. He liked people and people loved him. His personality was BIG. He was very close to his family and his parents championed his abilities with each day of his life. They raised him to be humble in his approach to life, respect others, work hard, trust God, live life freely. Each morning before leaving for school, he was told, “Have a good day, do good things and be the best that you can be.” Franky did just, and it shaped him into a well-rounded young man. He was the Class President and Senior Prom King, and was involved in several leadership programs. It brought him great joy to don his crimson and crème and step for the Kappa League.

After graduation, he enrolled in Alabama Agriculture and Mechanical University to pursue Forestry. He played one year of D1 Football and Baseball for AAMU. His drive and love for athletics led him to get involved in Intramural Football and Basketball at AAMU.  He completed a Forestry Summer Program with the USDA just prior to his first semester.

Passionate about the outdoors, he loved the wilderness and the elements. During hunting season, Franky would awaken hours before dawn and climb into the woods, where he would lay in a dormant state until unsuspecting deer and wild game came into the eyeshot of his rifle. He was a skilled hunter and fisherman and didn’t mind putting his skills to work for food. His talents included gardening. His first year in the garden yielded a large and bountiful crop of collard greens. The local newspaper covered the story and he voluntarily gave out greens to the more mature residents in his church. Every chance he’d get, he and his best friend/brother, Terrence Johnson, would disappear into the woods or unpack their reels on the shore of the lake. Franklin was one of few young boys who hunted with adults with such skill and insight. They respected his crafty ways.

Most of all, Franky loved his family and his dog, Sixx. He knew the meaning of JOY and PEACE. In the months before his death, Franky began speaking more of God and what the Word meant to his life. He shared that God was not only in his heart, but he was in his head.  It brought Franky comfort to pray for others, even when they didn’t know that he was interceding. He wanted his friends and family to know that God is real and was in him.

On Friday, May 31, 2019, our lives were changed forever. The young man known for his beautiful spirit, strong abilities and pure soul of love was lifted into Heaven by Angels. He had fulfilled his purpose here on earth and God saw fit to pluck him from us, leaving a painful wound.

Franklin James Banks, II leaves memories that will live on long after we say farewell. Amongst those who will hold on to his memory are his parents: Frank and Carole Banks of Monroeville, AL; two sisters: Kelsey Sierra Banks (Joseph) of Albany, GA and Kellon Synclair Banks (Austin) of Tuskegee, AL; his brother: Kennedy James Banks of Monroeville, AL; his godsister: Morghan Elise Denson of Monroeville, AL; grandparents: Dorothy Barrimond, Minnie Banks both of Monroeville, AL, and Robert L. Jones, Sr. of Brewton, AL; many devoted aunts and uncles: Cornelia, Michelle, Tarica, LaTisha, Rubye, Jeanine, Sharon, Lucy, Robin, Dorothy, Resia, Charles, Robert L., Carey, James, Derek, David Lee, Reginald and Roosevelt, many other loved aunts, uncles, and cousins; godparents: Undra and Annie Wilkerson, 2016 Classmates of MCHS, his roommates and friends at AAMU, the “Village” parents.

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