Ray Banks

Ray Banks (Ernie) died peacefully on June 19th, 2023 in Plano, Tx. He was born on June 22nd, 1937 in East Boston, Massachusetts to parents James Aubrey and Esmerelda Banks. He graduated from Boston English High School where he enjoyed history, art, music and sports. He loved spending his summers with his extended family in Nova Scotia. As an adult he moved to the city of Revere to raise his family and was a very active member of the community. In addition to a successful 35 year career at the Bank of Boston, he was a member of the Revere Chamber of Commerce, White Street Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Revere. During this time he discovered his love for singing, and continued to perform throughout his life as a soloist, in duets, quartets, and at weddings. Ray had a deep love for sports, and coached many youth sports teams. He and his son Jim hosted a talk show called Sports RoundUp for many years, interviewing numerous sports celebrities. He also wrote The Sports Bank, a weekly column for the Revere Journal. He always looked forward to attending the yearly Red Sox spring training in Florida. Later in life, he moved to Plano, Texas to be with family and opened one of the first Dunkin Donuts in Irving. He was an active member of North Irving Baptist Church where his greatest joys were serving the families at the Ronald McDonald house, visiting senior living facilities, and dressing up as Santa Claus at Christmas time. As his health declined in his last years, he was so grateful for the close support and help of his many family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Blanche Lyons, Isa Lang, and Audrey Gabarino. He is survived by Dorothy Banks; son Jim Banks (Rhonda); daughter Jennifer Yousef; daughter Nicole Banks; grandchildren Ali Tellini (Joseph); Jordan Yousef and Logan Yousef; great granddaughters Lucia, Gemma, Nora, and Emmelia Tellini; sister and brother in law Barbara and Bill Salter, as well as countless extended family members and friends. His celebration of life will be held on Thursday, July 6th at 11am at North Irving Baptist Church with a reception to follow. Cremation arrangements by Lone Star Cremation.