A SERVICE OF MEMORY

Celebrating the Life of

May 10, 1951 ~ March 4, 2010

Saturday, March 13, 2010 Visitation 10:30 A.M. Service 11:00 A.M.

GREATER GRACE TEMPLE CITY OF DAVID 23500 West Seven Mile Rd. Detroit, MI 48219

Bishop Charles H. Ellis III., Senior Pastor Officiating

Ron BanksRon Banks

Pall Bearers Harley Brown Michael Banks Eddie Jackson Brian Banks Terrance Rutland Hollywood Thompson Tony Reed Kyle Yancey Jamal Grant

Honorary Pall Bearers William Banks Jr. Larry “Squirrel” Demps Raymond Solomon Clarence “Foody” Rome L. J. Reynolds Joe Davis Michael Brock Wenzell Kelly Felix McKnight Willie Ford Douglas Moore Lamont Robinson Roosevelt Taylor Bernard Moore

Flower Bearers Family and Friends

Acknowledgement of Appreciation

With sincere appreciation, we wish to thank our many friends for their expressions of kindness during our bereavement for our loved one.

Special Thanks to Harley Brown, Larry Demps, Jamal Grant, Bishop Charles H. Ellis III and the Greater Grace Temple Church.

THE BANKS FAMILY

Arrangements Entrusted to SWANSON FUNERAL HOME, INC.

Northwest Chapel 14751 W. McNichols Detroit, MI 313.272.9000

Internment

Detroit Memorial Park West 25200 Plymouth Rd, Redford, MI.

313.533.1302

Program by Creative RELEASE : Jackie Baptist / 248.797.8824 Email: Jackiedesk@aol.com Printed by Greater Grace Temple Printers / 313.543.6165

My dad was a beloved man who cared about everyone. He put food on our table and we made sure his room was clean. We spent a lot of time with him. Daddy was also a smart man. There was times I wondered how he knew all those math answers off of the top of his head. My dad was the smartest man I ever seen and I love him a lot. Love you Dad, Raymond aka Lil Pappi

My dad was a great father and husband. He always made sure there was clothes on our backs, food on the table, and that the bills were paid. He always told us he wouldn't be here our whole life, but I didn't expect it to be this soon; however, he did prepare and teach me enough so one day I can support my own family. Love Ronnie

I love you dad, "Your baby girl always and forever"

Love Baby Girl (Bridgette)

My grand-dad's death has changed my whole life, not in a good way, but a great way! Don't get me wrong, I miss him, but reality just took over and I know he is in a better place with God. Don't ever say he is gone because he is not, he lives in my heart forever! I love you grand-dad, Fal (Fal) & Butt-Butt (Jahleel)

FAMILY REFLECTIONS

Order of Services GREATER GRACE TEMPLE CITY OF DAVID

BISHOP CHARLES H. ELLIS III, OFFICIATING MARCH 13, 2010

ORGAN PRELUDE……………………………………………………………………………… Minister of Music

PROCESSIONAL………………………………………………………………………………....Clergy and Family

PRAYER…………………………………………………………………………….....Reverend Dr. Charles Adams Hartford Memorial Baptist Church

SCRIPTURE……………………………………………………………………………………Elder Willard Owens

SONG………………………...…….“His Eye Is On The Sparrow” …………………………………Enchantments

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS………………………………………………………………...………..…….Tony Reid California Brother

OBITUARY……………………………………………………………………………… .Reverend Lemuel Barney Assistant Pastor, Hope United Methodist Church

POEM…………………………………………………………………...........................................Ebony Hill (niece)

SONG……………………………………………………………………………….………….…“You Can Make It” L. J. Reynolds Willie Ford

Wenzell Kelly “Angel ” Michael Brock

REMARKS …………………………………………..………....Jim Hare, Quick 2 Learn Educational Technology

SHARING MEMORIES……………………………………………………………….…………..…Harley Brown Frankie Darcell Clarence “Foody” Rome Nicolas Love Pastor Roosevelt Taylor

Oakland, CA. Banks Family - Children Banks Family - Brothers SONG……………………………………….…………………………………………………… “Beautiful People” Anita Baker PROCLAMATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS ……………………..Honorable Joann Watson, Detroit City Council Honorable Fred Durhal Jr., State Representative Honorable Mayor Dave Bing, City of Detroit Honorable Mayor Hubert Yopp, City of Highland Park

SONG ……………………………………………………………………………………..…… “I Won’t Complain” Steve Boyd MASONIC ACKNOWLEDGMENTS……………………………………..…………Grand Master Felix McKnight

SONG……………………………………………………………………………….…..Greater Grace Temple Choir

EULOGY……………………………………………………………………...………….Bishop Charles H. Ellis III

RECESSIONAL………………………………………………………………...……...Greater Grace Temple Choir

Daddy, Words can't express the love you shared with me. There isn't enough time to tell everything you've done for me. I love you dearly and you are TRULY missed. You always prepared us for a time like this. I just didn't expect it to be so soon. You always said "If Daddy leaves here tomorrow, don't cry, Daddy lived a great life, stand tall, stay strong and continue to love everyone." He would also say "Toughen up!" I love you Daddy Suga Lump (Bianca), I got you baby!

My father was a good man. He always told us when God called him home it was time for him to go. I really miss him, but my dad always kept us strong. He told us to keep up the good work. I love you Dad. Love Bo Bo (Branndi)

FAMILY REFLECTIONS

Pops, I see myself being the girl version of you. Two things I can say, I got from you was my love for people close to me and my way of not letting people run over me! You always looked at me as being your "biggest boy", and that was because you knew I carried your strong mind and strong personality. Any time I wanted to fuss about something, "Anna..." is what you said. Or when something was broke or a phone line didn't work "Milky" was the first name to come out of his mouth. But he prepared us for this day for as long as I can remember. I know my dad is happy! Love you pops! "Milky got you" and your "Pumpkin Pie" got this family no matter what! xoxo :-) I love you Brianna

Ronald Dean Banks Ronnie, We have often talked about this day, but why Thursday? I knew you were tired and you made comments like "I don't want to be 60, singing "What You See is What You Get." I told you I did not believe you, I would say "..surely you will miss the accolades and performing..", but you assured me that if you didn't pack another suit case and fly on another plane that "...you would be a happy man.." Ronnie, as I help you pack this last suitcase, I understand that on "Thurday" you were ready to rest. As the kids and I mourn your going home, know that we all made a pact "...not to let your death destroy the fabric of what you have woven and worked so hard to nourish. " Love your "Little Midget", Best Friend, and always "Ron Bank's Wife" See Ya Later! I Love You, Sandy

Ron, From the water balloon fights in the house when I was only six to our most recent conversation on my birthday about all my dreams and aspirations to the other night when Fallon called you to tell you "to teach my momma how to make a Mack burger, because no one makes a Mack burger like you do grand-dad" you have always been there. Our relationship was special to me and you have no idea how much I'm going to miss you say that familiar "hi baby" followed by a kiss on the forehead. You will be missed! I love you Ron... With love always, (Sherri)

FAMILY REFLECTIONS

My Pledge To You… Daddy, Who knew at 32 that I would lose you My Inspiration, My friend, My father… But, who also knew that by losing you that you would help me be the ‘Best’ me that I can be. The Best Sister, The Best Friend, The Best Daughter. I will be the the best ‘All that I am’ in your honor. I’ll miss you, but your spirit lives on within me. To be the Best is my pledge to you! Love, Tonya - ‘Cakes’

Ronald Dean Banks

Ronald Dean Banks was born in Detroit, Michigan, on May 10, 1951 to Jennie and William Banks Sr. He was the third child of five born to this union. He was raised by his loving parents. William Sr. preceded him in death in 2007. Growing up in a Christian home, he accepted Christ at an early age. He was baptized as a youth and prior to death he reaffirmed his faith while attending Greater Grace Temple. Ron was educated in the Detroit Public Schools system and attended Atkinson Elementary, Hutchins Junior High, and Northern High School. While attending Northern High School, Ron was involved in many extracur-ricular activities, among them baseball. It has often been said that he could have played professionally. When people would compliment him as an entertainer he would remark, “I’m really a frustrated athlete, you should see me play ball.” While still a teenager, Ron co-founded the group “The Dramatics” which became his lifelong passion. Both nationally and internationally recognized, The Dramatics have garnered countless honors, including numerous awards, citations, tributes and gold records and hold world renowned accolades. Ron loved food! He loved to eat and, was a good cook too! He especially loved smoked turkey. He enjoyed barbequing all year long, even in the snow. He loved lighting fireworks for the children, no matter what time of year it was. Ron loved all types of sports, and playing video games with his children. He also enjoyed making people laugh, he was a jokester. He was a stylish dresser and an amateur inventor with numerous in-ventions. Known for his great humanitarian spirit, Ron, along with childhood friends, Chuck Underwood, Harley Brown, and Reverend Jim Holly, established programs such as, Shoes for Kids, Coats for Kids and Celebrity Basketball games to benefit the children of Detroit. Ron, his brother Mike, and Hal Dietrich of Dietrich Furs were founders of the K.I.S.S. Money Management Program for kids with several locations in the Detroit area. Ron was also involved in a Computer Program that would impact several school districts around the country including Detroit. Ron, along with his wife and children have been involved in football and cheerleading with the West 7 Rams and the Eastside Bengals for over 15 years, through Think Detroit Pal League. He often spoke to prisoners through Wayne County Sheriff’s Office. Ron recently completed a food and clothing drive with Frankie Darcell of 92.3 FM Radio and Derrick Coleman. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Masons. Ron leaves to mourn and keep safe the lifelong cherished memories, his devoted and loving wife Sandra, his mother, Jennie Banks, eight children Sherri, Bianca, Briana, Brandi, Bridgette, Ronald Jr., Raymond, and an adoring daughter Tonya Nichole Denise, by a previous marriage with Vickie Grimmett. He is survived by his sister, Donna Green, and three brothers, William Jr., Michael, and Brian. Ron also leaves to mourn two grand-children, Fallon and Jaheel; four sister-in-laws, Barbara, Oneida, Constance, Paula; three brother-in-laws, Roger, Bernard Jr., and Douglas; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was a loyal and loving father to his children. He was a loyal and loving son, brother, husband, uncle and grandfather. Ron had a multitude of people that were family to him including The Dramatics and their families and he will certainly be missed by all.

FAMILY REFLECTIONS

Ron Banks and The Dramatics Ronald Dean Banks Career

Ron Banks was born into a musical family. His mother, Jeannie, put aside her career as a Jazz and Pop singer to raise a family. His father was an accomplished musician and taught in the Detroit Public School System. Although Ron was blessed with a spectacular voice, his first love was baseball. He played on a team called the Yankee All-Stars. Ron was an exceptional pitcher and hitter. Ron progressed to the point of being invited to try out for the Detroit Tigers and the Cincinnati Reds, Major League Baseball teams. Ron’s professional singing career started at age 11 when he and Elbert Wilkins started the Perfections. That group consisted of Ron Banks, Elbert Wilkins, Roderick Davis, Larry Reed and Robert Ellington. Later, they changed their name to the Sensations. Larry “Squirrel” Demps replaced Robert Ellington and the group changed their name again to The Dramatics to reflect the new choreography, showmanship and harmonies that gave them their special distinction and set apart their performances. They rehearsed five days a week on their vocal harmonies, leads and choreography. This earned the group their first recording contract with Golden World Records in Detroit. The Dramatics had two singles with Golden world, “Inky Dinky Wang Dang Doo” and “Bingo.” The recordings met with little success in the U.S. but sold well in Europe. The Dramatics then signed with Sport Records in Detroit where they had their first chart song “All Because Of You.” It was a local hit but didn’t get national attention. The Dramatics went through some personnel changes with Larry Reed leaving the group being replaced by William “Wee Gee” Howard. The group released their next recording, “Your Love Was Strange,” on the Stax/Volt Label. This recording also met with limited success. The Dramatics further refined their sound after the departure of Rod Davis, when Willie Ford joined the group. The Dramatics’ next release received world wide attention. “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get” featuring the soaring, sweet, falsetto of Ron Banks, alternating with the power voice of William Howard, captivated listeners and scored high on the Billboard Charts. The Dramatics followed that with the release of “In the Rain.” The Dramatics show, which was power packed, exploded onto the national scene when James Brown took them on a whirlwind tour of the U.S. Ron’s fabulous tenor voice remained the driving force in maintaining The Dramatics’ sound and helped them continue after Howard and Wilkins left and L. J. Reynolds and Lenny Mayes joined the group. Ron and L.J., with the support harmonies of Larry, Lenny, and Willie, would go on to score many major hits. Some of Ron’s favorites were “Just Shopping,” “Fell for You,” “Me and Mrs. Jones,” “Be My Girl,” “Oceans of Thoughts and Dreams,” “Shake It Well,” and “Welcome Back Home.” He often said, “Every record the Dramatics sang is my favorite.” The Dramatics and Ron Banks traveled extensively throughout the world performing at sold out concerts, performing before dignitaries and were invited to the White House. Ron, along with the Dramatics, received numerous awards, citations, honors and gold records. Ron Banks’ beautiful falsetto tenor vocals spawned many tenors who respected him and tried to copy his multi-octave range and flexibility. This has been a great compliment to the enormous God given talent that he possessed. The remaining Dramatics consisting of L.J. Reynolds, Willie Ford, Wenzell Kelly and Michael Brock will undoubtedly continue The Dramatic legacy in honor of Ron Banks. God Bless You, Ron Banks!