Billy J. Bankston, 81, went to be with our Lord on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital.
Born November 15, 1935, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Bilbo and Thelma (Frederick) Bankston, he served in the Naval Reserves and was a retired Polymer Chemist from Solvay. Billy was a lifetime resident of Texas and a gifted artist who loved the Dallas Cowboys.
Bill is survived by his son, Jeffry Bankston and wife, Susan, of Houston, Texas; grandson, Justin Reed Bankston of Atascocita, Texas; great-grandson, Wesley Scott; great-granddaughter, Emery Jade; stepchildren, Jody Jannise and wife, Traci; Chris Jannise and wife, Sheila; Regina Harris and husband, Thad; grandchildren, Ryan and Tyler Jannise; Christopher and Kimberly Jannise; and Quentin Rico.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Beverly; daughter, Denise Lawrence; and brother, David.
A gathering of Mr. Bankston's family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m. with his funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 19, 2017, at Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 20, 2017, at Magnolia Cemetery, 2291 Pine Street, Beaumont.
