Lee Banks was born July 20, 1935, in Jonestown, Mississippi. He moved to Akron at a young age with his parents the late Bishop Lawrence and Dorethea Banks. He is the eldest of 4 from this union, all of which attended Akron Public Schools and graduated from North High School. He later attended The University of Akron.

He served in the United States Army (Korea). Later, after an honorable discharge he returned to Akron. He retired from The Akron Board of Education with 38 years of service as head custodian.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Leatrice Banks; his parents; sons, Lee Banks Jr., James McClendon, Terrence Powell; brother, Milton Banks (Blu); and nieces, Naomi Banks, Harlonda Banks-Hodges.

Lee leaves to cherish his memory; sons, John (Colette) McClendon and David (Elizabeth) McClendon; brother, Samuel (Pamela) Banks; sister, Pamela Banks; daughter-in-law, Peggy Powell; grandchildren, Tameka (Finley II) Bramlett, Michael John McClendon, Sean Edmonds, Roslyn McClendon, Rachel (Jayland) McClendon Finney, Michael (Farrah) Ziemski, Christopher (Mary) Ziemski, Nicole and Cassandra and great grandchildren, Finley Bramlett III and Maliyah Pierce; special nieces, Theresa (John) Banks Camacho, Jimmie (Eddie) Bailey, Betty (John) Portis and Faye White. Lee will be dearly missed by all his loved ones. He was known as “Our Rock”.

Friends may call on Friday, August 12, 2022, from 4:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Sommerville Funeral Services, 1695 Diagonal Rd. Akron, Oh 44320. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Sommerville Funeral Services and will be live streamed at www.sommervillefuneralservice.com

Interment Northlawn Cemetery on Monday, August 15, 2022.