John W. Wilbanks

John W. Wilbanks, 80, World War II Veteran, of Batesville, Arkansas, quietly slipped away August 19, 2008, with his family at his side. John was born April 15, 1928, in Yellville, Arkansas to William Corbin and Sibbie Ann Bynum Wilbanks. The Wilbanks family moved to Batesville when he was nine years old. John was of the Baptist faith.John's early years were spent growing up on the University of Arkansas Experiment Station that his father managed. John loved Batesville and only briefly left to attend college at University of Arkansas Fayetteville and Russellville Tech. He loved his home and said his patio was h is favorite place on earth.John, his dad, brother, Willard, and sister, Lucille Wilbanks Guterez all served in World War II at the same time. John served in the U. S. Navy aboard the USS Adams.When John returned from his tour of duty, he graduated from Batesville High School and went on to college at University of Arkansas Fayetteville and Russellville Tech. He also taught agriculture at BHS.John will always be remembered for owning Hills Valley Foods, Inc. He offered employment opportunities for many, and made the best cheese products that we all still miss. John worked, until his retirement this spring, for Independence County.John was proudest of many accomplishments with his activities in Farm Bureau, 4-H Foundation, and lobbying for Arkansas Dairymen. He was also active involved with several political campaigns.He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara Trent Wilbanks. He called her his girlfriend of 60 years. The unity this couple enjoyed is unmeasurable and remarkable. He is also survived by his son, John R. Wilbanks of New York; his daughter, Dianne Wilbanks Womack of Batesville; grandsons, John R. Thomas and his wife Suzanne of Batesville, and Trenton Greenfield Thomas of Little Rock; two adorable great-grandchildren, John Maxwell Thomas and Emma ClaireThomas; two sisters, Victoria Anderson of Batesville and Dorothy Jean West Gabaldon of Sante Fe, NM; one brother, Willard Wilbanks and his wife Frances Jeffery Wilbanks of Warren; and a special nephew, Tim West and his wife, Najat,of New Bedford, Mass. John was fond of his many nephews and nieces and was always glad to get visit with them.He was preceded in death his parents; two sisters, Lucille Wilbanks Guterez and Edna Wilbanks Fryer; and infant twins.Visitation will be Saturday, August 23, 2008 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Qualls Batesville Funeral Service in Batesville. Graveside services for immediate family only will be Sunday, August 24, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Gary Buckner, Rev. Bobby Shepherd and Rev. Richard Nuckolls. Honorary pallbearers will be Howard Young, Jack Justus, Doyne Potts, Larry Sandage, Bill Hicks, Leroy Edgin, David Wyatt, John Taylor, Earl Haley, Norris Guynes, Brother Bob Parker, Larry Greenfield, John Miller, the music boys George, Eddie and Bill, the Independence County crew, Dr. Greg Neaville, Effie Stuart, Dr. Jim Lytle, all of our dance buddies of twenty years, and a host of friends throughout the state with County Extension.John's generous heart, kind spirit, warmest smile, and always cheerful demeanor will be missed by all of us. He would hope he had inspired others to do likewise. His desire to walk in the Spirit, and his family and wonderful friends were his true pleasures in life.