Kenneth Wayne Banks

We celebrate the life of a beloved son, brother, nephew, uncle, and friend, Kenneth Wayne Banks, affectionately known as “Wayne.” His kindness and warm spirit touched everyone he met. He never met a stranger and knew no enemies because everyone was his friend. The friendships he built throughout his life brought him some of his greatest joy. Wayne was born in Atlanta, Georgia, at Grady Memorial Hospital. As a child, he battled meningitis, which greatly impacted his speech and development. Despite these challenges, he faced life with courage, determination, and a heart full of love. Wayne approached every obstacle with perseverance and remained faithful in every task, always striving to do his very best. Wayne grew up in the Lynwood Park community, attended Lynwood Park Elementary School, and graduated from West Fulton High School. His first job was at Winn-Dixie Grocery Store, where he worked for four years. He later joined Publix Super Markets, where he faithfully served for 27 years. During his career, Wayne received several awards recognizing his outstanding service and dedication. Hard work was one of his greatest passions. The center of Wayne's joy was his church and his family. He also had a deep love for gospel music. He carried his earphones everywhere, listening to and singing his favorite songs. Among them, “Take Me to the King” by Tamela Mann held a special place in his heart. Wayne was a devoted sports fan who faithfully cheered for the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves, and the University of Georgia Bulldogs. He always believed each team would have a winning season. Whenever one of his favorite teams lost, he would smile and say, “Aww, they should have won that game!” Wayne also enjoyed bowling and shooting darts. He loved the fellowship, friendly competition, and lasting friendships that came through sports and community activities. Wayne leaves to cherish his memory his loving mother, Annie Doris Banks; his father, Weyman Wortham, Jr., who preceded him in death; his uncles, Charles E. Banks (Uncle Bubba) and Myron Wortham (Trinisa); his sisters, Carolyn Bryant (Alonzo Sr), Tammie Wortham Robinson (Eric Sr.), and Shonda Wortham, who preceded him in death; his brothers, Weyman Michael Wortham (Natalie), Eric Wortham (Wanda), Jeffrey Wortham (Cheryl), Derrick Wortham, who preceded him in death, Tony Wortham, and Fredrick Peterson. He also leaves behind 17 nieces and nephews: Tempestt, Teyanna and Wesley, Brendan and Esther, Kayla, Alonzo Jr and Amelia, Alviticus "Vee," Mariah and Nehemiah, Sandrika "Honey Bun," Carmesha and Willie, Erica, Eric Wortham Jr., Eric Robinson, Jr and Christian, Topaz, Torei, Tishae, Teirra. Additionally, he leaves 24 grand-nieces and grand -nephews, including Asia, London, Zaidyn, Imajen, Ziggy, Ni’miah, Javon, Honey, Major, Nala, Aviana, Selena, Weston, Prince, Nyla, Ja'Nyla, Keshawn, Carmello, Tiquiz, Tishawn, Eriel, Erin, Taylenn, Tai'va, along with a host of other relatives and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory. Wayne's life was a testament to faith, perseverance, kindness, and love. Though he will be deeply missed, his gentle spirit, unwavering determination, and the joy he brought to others will never be forgotten. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Services entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur, GA 30034.

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Kenneth Wayne Banks

June 5, 1963 - July 12, 2026