Although I knew Smith Banks for only a few short years, he was, for me, the heart of Statesboro and Bulloch County.
I met him soon after I moved here from Pennsylvania in 2005, and I learned quickly that he had the answer to any question I had about Statesboro. His memory, the turn of his words, the twinkle in his eye, and the ready smile were his trademarks, and he welcomed everyone with stories about his life. We often joked that we must be related somewhere along the line, since his family name – “Brannen” – was so similar to mine.
I was privileged to have the opportunity to write about him for the Statesboro Magazine, a 1200-word piece that delved into his collection of southern folk art. He donated a sizeable number of pieces to the Betty Foy Sanders Art Department at Georgia Southern, resulting in a southern folk art gallery for student learning and public enjoyment.
Smith held history in his heart, and I can identify with that. His imagination and his vision kept his ancestors near, and he appreciated them for their lives and accomplishments. He even appreciated those who weren’t so accomplished.
Saddled by ill health for nearly a decade, Smith is whole once again, resting in God’s hands and sharing stories with family that has gone before him. He was a good man, and will always remember his kindness to this Yankee woman.
Mrs. B
I met him soon after I moved here from Pennsylvania in 2005, and I learned quickly that he had the answer to any question I had about Statesboro. His memory, the turn of his words, the twinkle in his eye, and the ready smile were his trademarks, and he welcomed everyone with stories about his life. We often joked that we must be related somewhere along the line, since his family name – “Brannen” – was so similar to mine.
I was privileged to have the opportunity to write about him for the Statesboro Magazine, a 1200-word piece that delved into his collection of southern folk art. He donated a sizeable number of pieces to the Betty Foy Sanders Art Department at Georgia Southern, resulting in a southern folk art gallery for student learning and public enjoyment.
Smith held history in his heart, and I can identify with that. His imagination and his vision kept his ancestors near, and he appreciated them for their lives and accomplishments. He even appreciated those who weren’t so accomplished.
Saddled by ill health for nearly a decade, Smith is whole once again, resting in God’s hands and sharing stories with family that has gone before him. He was a good man, and will always remember his kindness to this Yankee woman.
Mrs. B
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