Quintel Gerard Banks

April 19, 1993 - September 8, 2016

The Life Reflections “When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me. I want no rites in a gloom filled room, why cry for a soul set free?” Quintel Gerard Banks left this earthly realm on Thursday, September 8, 2016 as a result of injuries sustained from a car accident in Sumter, South Carolina. Born April 19, 1993 in Sumter, South Carolina He was a son of Kindra Bradley and the late Quincy Lesard Farmer; the adopted son of Velma Farmer Banks and Reginald Banks; the grandson of Willie Abraham and Betty Jean and Tommy Moore. Accepting Christ as his personal Savior, Quintel was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church, where he was actively involved in youth ministries as a praise dancer and as an Alcolyte. He most recently served as a Steward. He also fellowshipped frequently with The Truly Committed Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Albertus Smiling. He was “a quiet soldier in God’s Army.” In addition to the church relationship, Rev. Smiling and his family were devoted to Quintel throughout his entire life. Quintel looked forward to the special dinners, the outings and just spending time with Chandra and other members of the Smiling family. Quintel attended the public schools of Sumter County and was a graduate of Sumter High School, Class of 2012. His teachers and principals not only stressed education, but taught him life principles. They were loving, caring mentors who led by example and who impacted his life greatly. He was especially fond of his ROTC instructor, Chief Eric Cooper, who was a father figure that Quintel truly loved. The William Blanding Mentorship Program at Camp Amigo (Sponsored by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity) taught him leadership, accountability and responsibility. He stood taller and learned confidence, as he walked into manhood. Even though Quintel accepted Christ in his heart, he continued to struggle with comprehending and accepting the death of his father Quincy. In spite of this void in his life, he still exhibited the qualities of being a well-mannered, loving and caring person. Quintel had a contagious smile. He lived his life like the person reflected in the poem, “The House by the Side of the Road.” He was a friend to all. Those left to share precious memories of his life, legacy and love, in addition to his parents and grandparents, are three sisters: Chenise and Breanna Bradley and Dreonna Gadson; loving and devoted aunts and uncles, Selena and George Washington; Karen and Leslie Abraham, Nardra Lesesne, Donna Parson and Tyrone Bradley; grand aunts and uncles, Leroy Bradley, James (Frances ) Bradley, Constance (David) Weston, Barbara (Lee) Dorsey; Derek (Kimberly) Farmer, Willie Van (Sandy) Farmer, Celestine Parker, Earline Holland, three nieces, Maria Chevez, Ja-Kiyya and Ja-Niyya McDonald; three very special cousins , Jaida and Colin Washington and Marquis who we will continue to lift in prayer; a host of other loving relatives and friends. “This is not goodbye, I’ll be waiting for you in Heaven.” .