HOMER THOMAS BANKS, age 85 of Clarkesville, Georgia passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2017 following an extended illness. Born in Demorest, Georgia on June 12, 1931, he was a son of the late William Richard and Zadie Mae Shelnut Banks. Mr. Banks served his country proudly in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was a self-employed carpenter for many years. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and was a former President of the Habersham County Coon Hunters Association for many years. Mr. Banks was a member of Fairfield Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, David Thomas Banks; daughter, Shirley Ann Banks; brothers and sister-in-law, Randall Banks, Milton & Pearl Banks. Surviving are his loving wife of 65 years, Carolyn Smith Banks of Clarkesville; daughter and son-in-law, Debra & Anthony Franklin of Demorest; daughter-in-law, Penny Banks of Cornelia; brothers and sisters-in-law, Otis & Linda Banks of Lucasville, OH, Vermon & Ruth Banks of Demorest, Elmer & Dot Banks of Cleveland, Tilford and Iva Lee Banks of Demorest, and Carven & Annette Banks of Demorest; sister, Colleen Hudson of Covington; 9 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 23, 2017 from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home with Anthony Franklin officiating. Interment will follow in the Fairfield Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Army, Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720, American Legion Post #84, and the DAV Chapter #15. The family will receive friends from 3 until 5 p.m. & 7 until 9 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com MCGAHEE-GRIFFIN & STEWART FUNERAL HOME OF CORNELIA, GEORGIA (706/778-8668) IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS.