Barney "BB" Banks

Barney Ray Banks “BB”, 80, of Ocean Springs, MS passed away Thursday, June 6, 2024. He was born December 28, 1943 in Smackover, AR to Chester Arthur “CA” and Ruth Ellen Dean Banks.

Barney was a graduate of Norphlet High School, and attended Southern State College in Magnolia AR. Following graduation, he joined the US Army and ranked as an E-5 in the 8^th Army 2^nd Infantry Division. He then began his career at IBM in 1967 after serving in the Army. In 1990 he retired and was rehired by IBM as an Independent Contractor working at Keesler Air Force Base for another 10 years. Following his career at KAFB, he started a computer consulting business, CSA with his good friend Robert McQuade, where they worked together for another 6 years. Throughout his life he received several awards including a National Defense Medal, and the Diocese of Biloxi Lumen Christi Medalist.  In addition, he volunteered his time with the Saint Vincent de Paul Society in various capacities including the Treasurer. He enjoyed traveling, birdwatching, gardening, genealogy, and spending time with his kids and grandkids. He also spent time with his friends and family, attending college sporting events as well as breakfast with “the guys”.

Barney was preceded in death by his parents, Chester Arthur and Ruth Dean Banks; brothers, Don, Bill, Jerry and Jimmy Banks; sisters, Delores Joyce, Shirley Harwell, Verna Clary, and Sharon Tilmon.

He is survived by his bride of 55 years, Gail Banks; children, Kathleen (Shea) Scarborough, Kristin (Corey) Freeman, Jennifer Reed, Scott (Candace) Banks, and Stephen (Amber) Banks; grandchildren, Jordan Reed, Hayden Scarbrough, Kace Reed, Reagan Scarbrough, Preston Freeman, Brady Freeman, Pierce Freeman, Campbell Freeman, Austen Banks, Emilie Banks, Savannah Banks, Miles Banks and Gabriel Banks; great grandson, Blaine Fritz Scarborough; sisters Kay Finch and Kathy New; step grandchildren, Gus Joachim, Oliver Joachim, Evan Joachim, and Elijah Herrington and loving dog Bailey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 10, 2024 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Family will receive visitors beginning at 10:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be held Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The family would like to give thanks to the nurses and staff at Ocean Springs Hospital.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Barney Ray Banks “BB”.