[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 160 (Tuesday, December 7, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2072-E2073]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING BILL BANKS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2010

  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I wish today to honor one of the most 
well-known and respected attorneys from my district.
  Bill Banks recently passed away at the age of 82. He practiced law in 
Knoxville for more than 50 years, and I do not know another person who 
respected and honored the profession more than Bill.
  He graduated from the University of Tennessee Law School in 1950 when 
there were many fewer attorneys than there are today. As the legal 
profession grew and more law practices opened, Bill became a leader 
among his peers.
  I have nothing but fond memories of him from my own time as a lawyer 
and judge in Knoxville.
  Bill's love of the law and government was not just limited to his 
practice. He also served on the Knox County Election Commission for 
many years and was instrumental in the transition from paper to machine 
voting in Knox County.
  He also served admirably in the Korean War as an officer with the 
United Nations War Crimes Commission. His work during the war earned 
him a citation for meritorious service.
  Those who knew Bill knew a humble and kind man devoted to his family 
and faith. He was a long-time member of Washington Pike United 
Methodist Church.
  His community involvement included the Knoxville Elks Lodge, where he 
rose to the rank of Exalted Ruler and Trustee. He was also an active 
Mason and was a member of the Burlington Masonic Lodge, the Scottish 
Rite and Kerbela Temple in Knoxville.
  I had the privilege of knowing Bill Banks personally and considered 
him to be a good friend for almost 40 years.

[[Page E2073]]

  He was one of the finest men I have ever known, and he touched 
thousands of people in good and positive ways throughout his life.
  I extend my condolences to Bill's daughter and son, Betsy and David; 
four grandchildren; brother, John; and sister, Allene. His absence will 
surely be felt in Knoxville, but Bill's life will be celebrated as an 
example of one lived with a dedication to what truly matters: God, 
family, and community.

                          ____________________