Reverend Dr. Freddie Augustus Banks, Jr., 84, of Gainesville, VA, formerly of Du Quoin, passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023 at his residence.

He was born September 15, 1939 in Sandusky, IL, the son of Freddie Augustus and Johnella (Parm) Banks, Sr.

He joined the United States Army in January of 1961and was discharged on April 1, 1965 at Ft. Benning, GA.  He had attained the rank of SPC5.

Rev. Dr. Freddie A. Banks began his walk with Christ at a very early age and his life in academia on the strength of the prayers of his mother. Dr. Banks, a life-long Zionite, was a Preacher Steward for over 20 years, a Conference and District Director of Christian Education in the Indiana Conference, served on the Trustee board, performed as delegate to the Annual Conference and elected delegate to the General Conference from 1980 to 1996. He was solely responsible for the first AME Zion campus ministry, which was established at Eastern Illinois University. He was co-advisor, then elevated to advisor for the Eastern Illinois University Unity Gospel Fellowship Choir and pastor of Unity Christian Fellowship Ministry AME Zion Church for over six years.

Dr. Banks received his Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; his Master of Science Degree in Education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Dr. Banks began his educational career in 1969 as a junior high school social science, math, and science teacher. He was promoted to Guidance Counselor in 1970 after which he became Director of Guidance, 1973-1974. In 1974 he became Assistant Principal and from 1975 to 1988, the first Black principal of an integrated school system. In 1988, he was promoted to the position of District Superintendent of Du Quoin School District #300 - Du Quoin's first African American District Superintendent, the third Black superintendent in southern Illinois. Dr. Banks later became a full professor in the Department of Educational Administration at Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois - his career in education spans across 36 years.

Dr. Banks held the office of President of the Du Quoin Rotary Club, where he was the first African American member and officer.

He was selected and awarded as Du Quoin Business Citizen of the Year in 1985.

Dr. Banks is a most dedicated minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion church and has experienced the missionary trek to South Africa, possesses his Traveling Preachers License, has worked as a choir director and pianist for Smith Memorial AME Zion Church, was appointed Pastor of Samuel Brown Temple AME Zion Church and was elevated to the position of Elder in the AME Zion Church.

Dr. Banks and his wife Roselena reside in Gainesville, VA. They are the proud parents of Curtis, Maurice, Ty-Tanisha (Mohamed), Yashika (Booker III), and are proud grandparents to Celeste, Emani, Tajai, Mashayla, Havyn, Brooke, Booker IV, Abril and Channing. They are great grandparents to Aniyah, Jai'lany and Mackenzie.

He is also survived by one sister - Mary Scruggs of Elgin, IL, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and many friends.

He is a published author, an accomplished researcher, and has sat on many civic boards including the Fire and Police Merit Board of Du Quoin, Illinois.

Dr. Freddie A. Banks was touched by the Spirit of the Lord to preach, teach, lead, console, fellowship and much, much more, which he accomplished, with the grace of God.

Funeral services will be at Noon, Saturday, December 30, 2023 at the Du Quoin Methodist Church, 25 N. Washington St., Du Quoin, IL with Rev. Powe and Rev. Bradford officiating.

Friends may call from 10 A.M. until the time of service on Saturday at the church.

Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin, IL.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.