Alfred Manly Banks — longtime pastor of Buhl Baptist Church and Southern Gospel singer — died Oct. 6, 2020. He was 65.
Known for his love of Southern Gospel music, Banks sang with his father, mother and sisters as The Banks Family, visiting churches in Tuscaloosa and the surrounding counties. His love for this music paved the way for him to lead music at Dunn’s Creek Baptist Church, Echola, from his early 20s until he felt the call to serve as a pastor in 1994.
Banks served for two years as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, Berry, and in 1997 became pastor of Buhl Baptist Church, where he served until his death.
As a pastor, Banks will be remembered by his church families for his presence in countless marriages, new births and baptisms; his wisdom during trials; and his comfort in times of sorrow. He will be remembered most of all for faithfully preaching the message of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and for his favorite Bible verse, John 15:4: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Banks is survived by his wife of 39 years, Susan; daughters, Courtney and Amanda; son, Adam; and two grandchildren.
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