Charles Rayford Wilbanks

Charles Rayford Wilbanks Charles Rayford Wilbanks, Sr. was born March 5, 1934, in Kossuth, Mississippi. He passed away in Jackson, Mississippi, on December 16, 2013 at age 79. Mr. Wilbanks is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Nancy Worley Wilbanks; four children, Angela Wilbanks Cossitt, Sandra Wilbanks Rives (Jay); Charles Rayford Wilbanks, Jr. (Alicia); and Jane Wilbanks Roberts (Mark). He was “Big Daddy” to nine adoring grandchildren, Justin Michael Rives (Christie); Casey Cossitt Jones (Cliff); Molly Cossitt Clark (Todd); Allyce Wilbanks Majors (Adam); Ashley Cossitt Quick (Davis); Joey Roberts; Annaclaire Elizabeth Wilbanks, Abigail Louise Wilbanks; and Jacob Lee Roberts. He also had five great-grandchildren, Mary Logan Clark; Jason Cade Rives, Henry Davis Quick, Rosey Kate Clark, and Jordan Blake Rives. Charles Wilbanks was preceded in death by his parents, Sam Cleton Wilbanks and Annie Cleo Parish Wilbanks; his sister, Betty Wilbanks Campbell; and two grandsons, Christopher Blake Rives and Charles Rayford Wilbanks III (Chase). Mr. Wilbanks graduated from Alcorn County Agricultural High School in Kossuth, Mississippi, and then attended Mississippi College in Clinton and the University of Mississippi School of Law. He served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1960. He was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant and later promoted to 1st Lieutenant. Mr. Wilbanks began practicing law in 1963, practicing both in Corinth and Kossuth, Mississippi. He was a member of the Mississippi Bar for fifty years. As an attorney he is remembered for working hard for his clients and often taking the difficult and unpopular stand. Mr. Wilbanks taught at the Mississippi College School of Law from 1977 to 1982, and in 1977 he was named “Professor of the Year.” He also served as Municipal Court Judge for the town of Farmington, Mississippi. Inspired by the needs of his grandson, Christopher, Mr. Wilbanks founded the National Leigh’s Disease Foundation in 1988 to help sponsor medical research for this very rare disease and to provide support for affected families. In 1996 the Foundation broadened its efforts merging with the United Mitochondria Disease Foundation which now has more than 50 local chapters across the nation. During his life he was always involved in and dedicated to his church and has served as deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and choir member. In lieu of flowers we ask that you consider a donation to “But God Ministries,” which is a 501(c) (3), non-profit organization that shares the love of Jesus Christ through building sustainable communities around the world. It is currently building a sustainable community near Ganthier, Haiti. The work in Haiti was a passion of Mr. Wilbanks. You can send donations to 140 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39202. Visitation will be Monday, December 23, 2013, from 12:30 pm until service time at First Baptist Church, Corinth, MS. Services will be held Monday, December 23, 2013, at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church, Corinth, MS. Bro. Dennis Smith will officiate and burial will follow in Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Justin Rives, Todd Clark, Adam Majors, Davis Quick, Rob Tadlock and Cliff Jones. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Monroe, Jerry Jones, Bro. Carroll Talley, Taft Little, Larry James, Hoyt Alexander, Glen Parker and Leiman Wilbanks.