Bobby Gene Bankston

Bob Bankston, a resident of Newton, AL, passed away at his home on Sunday, January 1, 2023. He was 68 years old.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Tommy Giddens officiating. Burial will follow in Newton City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10-11 am. Flowers are being accepted or memorial contributions may be made in Bob's honor to The Wiregrass Children's Home, www.wiregrasschildrenshome.org/donate.

Bob was born on November 30, 1954 in Dothan and has lived in Newton for most of his life. He met and married the love of his life, Joette McKnight in 1979. Bob was a veteran of the US Army having proudly served for 3 years. Bob's love of country and rock music led him to play in several bands, including Desperado, Cool Change, and Diamond Back. He traveled and played all across the Wiregrass and in the panhandle of Florida. Bob loved the outdoors and when he wasn't playing somewhere, he enjoyed going hunting and fishing. He attended Newton First Assembly of God Church where he occasionally played the drums.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Pauline Hanners Bankston, and by his brothers, Earl Bankston, Bill Bankston, and Joe Bankston.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Joette Bankston; his son, Lucas (Whitney) Bankston; his three grandchildren, Austin Barefield, Gracie Barefield, and Tucker Bankston; and several nieces and nephews.