Robert Isaih 'Bobby' Banks, 77

CAMBRIDGE, Md. - Robert Isaih "Bobby" Banks of Cambridge, son of the late William E. and Lillie A. Banks, was born Dec. 5, 1930, and departed this life on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, at Dorchester General Hospital, Camdbridge. He was 77.

In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by his sisters, Pauline Waifer and Janet Banks; a brother, William Boddy; a grandson whom he helped raise, Charles E. "C.J." Jenkins; and his life brother, William Lewis.

He received his education in the Dorchester County public school system.

After graduating, Bobby enlisted into the U.S. Army at the age of 17. After completing basic training in San Antonio, he was sent to Honshu, Japan.

His duties led him to fight in North Korea where he was one of 500 infantrymen to be captured after holding off the opposing forces for seven days. He remained a prisoner of war for 32 months and 13 days before being released with the signing of the Armistice.

Bobby became a Christian and was reared in Bethel A.M.E. Church by his mother and father. He attended Sunday school at the Rev. Baynum's church in Cambridge. His knowledge and proficiency in his Bible studies were excellent.

After attending school for electrical studies in Philadelphia, he moved back to Cambridge and opened his own business, providing electrical and TV repair services throughout Dorchester County for more than 25 years.

Bobby was employed as a United Steel worker at National Can, formerly of Cambridge. He retired from National Can United Steel Workers, Allentown, Pa., after his retirement age.

He was joined in holy matrimony to Guinerevere Banks. From this union seven children were born.

Bobby was a devoted husband and father.

He leaves to mourn his memory his wife of 52 years, Guinerevere (Cornish) Banks; eight children, Roberta Banks of Honshu, Robert R. Banks (Tymone) of Harrington, Del., Kevin Banks (Juanita), Egonya Banks, La-Shon Brooks (Dellas), Janice Banks and Dontray Banks (Deanna), all of Cambridge, and Dwayne Banks (Angie) of Baltimore; a daughter-in-law, Marcia Banks of Dover, Del.; two sisters, Virginia Finney (Linwood) of Glassborough, N.J., and Elizabeth Young of Camden, N.J.; two brothers, Leroy Banks of Cambridge and Lawrence Banks of Willingsboro, N.J.; a devoted brother-in-law, Bobby Waifer of Camden, N.J.; 19 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be at noon on Saturday at Bethel A.M.E. Church, Cambridge, where a viewing will be from 10 a.m. to noon.

A viewing will also be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the church.

Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Easton.