Mr. Wilson E. Banford

October 19, 1940 - April 28, 2016

Mr. Banford was born on October 19, 1940 in Wilkinson County, MS, the son of George and Lucy Hampton Banford. He graduated from Sadie V. Thompson High School and Jackson State University where he received his Bachelor of Science, M.Ed. And Specialist degrees. Wilson taught and served as Assistant Principal in the Natchez-Adams School District where he retired. He also worked as a Safety Engineer at Armstrong Tire & Rubber Company. Wilson held memberships with King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church where he worked diligently, Nu Xi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc, Jackson State University Alumni Association, Wharlest Jackson Elk’s Lodge, and the Krewe of MER. Wilson is survived by: his loving wife: Estelle M. Banford; two daughters: Rhonda Banford of Ridgeland, MS and Carlotta “Cookie” Gray of Natchez; devoted son: James “Ricky” Gray of Natchez; six grandchildren: Candice Hatcher Bush and husband Joshua of Clinton, MS, Alexia Pickett of Ridgeland, MS, Derrick Lyles, Leroy Lyles, Candi Gray all of Natchez, Kennedy Gray of Potomac, MD, and Travis McNealy of Memphis, TN; four special cousins: Dr. Allen Stewart and wife Tonea of Montgomery, AL, Ann Hampton of Chicago, IL, John Stewart of Memphis, TN, and Leaman Stewart of Baton Rouge, LA; a Goddaughter: Sherika Wright-Jones of Katy, TX; sisters-in-law: Eliza Quinn and Viola Bennett both of Natchez and a brother-in-law: Charles McQuarters of Algiers, LA and other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers will be members of Nu Xi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.