Louis Banks

LCpl Louis Banks, Sa Dan

December 21, 1946 - January 31, 2025

Louis Banks, a man of discipline, strength, and deep devotion to excellence, passed away on January 31, 2025, in Valhalla, New York, at the age of 78. Born on December 21, 1946, in Montgomery County, Alabama, to Elizabeth and Felix W. Banks, he was named after his paternal uncle, Louis, and carried on a legacy of resilience, skill, and adventure throughout his life.

A proud Lance Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, Louis served his country with honor, earning recognition as a Rifle Sharpshooter with the M-1 and receiving the Good Conduct Medal for his dedication and exemplary service. During his military career, he also trained as a boxer and, on June 19, 1968, fought his way to victory as the Middleweight Champion in the ComNavPhil vs. ComNavMarianas showdown.

His passion for martial arts was equally profound. On March 15, 1976, he achieved the esteemed rank of Fourth-Degree Black Belt in Korean Karate under Karate Master Howard Lee. His exceptional skill led him to audition for Paramount Studios as a martial artist in the 1970s, and he later refereed competitions alongside the legendary Ronald Van Clief, further solidifying his place in the martial arts community.

Beyond his military and martial arts achievements, Louis had a deep love for travel, exploring Tijuana, Antigua, and Egypt, embracing new experiences and cultures. He was a man who valued discipline and self-improvement and expected the same from those around him. As a father, he instilled a strong sense of excellence in his children, pushing them to strive for greatness in their own lives. He is survived by his children: Marsha, Corbert, Aiyana, R. Thaddius, Lucretia, Aleta, Mark, Naomi, and Malcolm. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Marsharie, Samuel, Malaki, Saliha, Faruq, Nadira, Hanifa, Aliya, Marion, Joseph, Hyuk-Joong, Zuri, Anaya, Anoa, Micah, Kya, Kiara, Kamilah, Michael, Anton, Lucretia, Maya and Josephine. He was also a mentor and father figure to his nephew and spiritual son, Randy Hannon (Raheem).

Louis was one of eight siblings and is survived by his beloved sister, Carrie Banks Wright, and brother, Alfonzia Banks. He will be remembered as a man of precision, discipline, and unwavering expectations-one who left a lasting impact on those who knew him. His legacy lives on in the lessons he imparted, the lives he shaped, and the standards he set.

A service to honor his life will be held at the Second Baptist Church Cemetery, 4151 Highway 110, Union Springs, Alabama, 36089, which was founded by his ancestor Adam Job. The family welcomes all who knew him to join in celebrating his remarkable life and legacy on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 1pm.