William Banks, 72, a long time resident of Walton, passed away Monday, April 5, 2010 at home following a long illness.

Bill was born on June 30, 1937 in Shavertown, the son of the late William and Ida (Bishop) Banks. He went to school in Delhi and Rock Rift. He served his country in the National Guard from 1955 to 59. On February 14, 1963 he married the former Sue L. Arquette. She died on October 7, 2003.

Bill worked for many years as a mechanic at Hotaling Sales and Service, William's Motor Company, as body shop foreman at Northrup Chevrolet, Walton; and at Demeree's Chevrolet in Bainbridge. Later, he started his own garage, the Hillside Body Shop in Walton. Following retirement he worked at the Red Barrell and the Hess Station in Walton.

Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding on his tractors and visiting Billy in the bodyshop. Bill could often be found , prior to his illness, visiting with his friends over a cup of coffee at the station where he worked. Bill was soft spoken and easy to talk to, always looking on the bright side of things.

He is survived by his loving family, his special friend and companion Phyllis Warner, his son William H. (Cheryl Kazalski) Banks, 2 grandsons, Brian and Jimmy, 1 sister, Rebecca (Thomas) DeMann, Sidney; brother and sister-in-laws, Richard Arquette, John Chapman, Terry Calabrese, Joan (George) Springman, Cindy Callabrese, Jeff Anthony, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Carol Arquette in 2009.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Thursday, April 8, 2010 from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, at Walton Cemetery, with Pastor Tom Davis officiating.

Memorial contributions in Bill's memory may be made to Plymouth Community Church

County Rt 21, Walton.