Rev. Arthur A. Bankhead

Reverend Dr. Arthur A. Bankhead, 80, of 4045 Irene Bridge Highway, Hickory Grove, SC went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 surrounded by his loving family at home.  Born November 30, 1939 in York County, SC, he was a son of the late Robert Odell Bankhead and Helen Thomas Bankhead.

He accepted Christ at an early age and attended New Saint Paul Baptist Church in Hickory Grove, SC. Led by Christ, he was the Pastor of First Temple Baptist Church in Spartanburg, SC, Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Smyrna, SC, Mt. Prospect Baptist Church in Chester, SC, and St. Luke No. 1 Baptist Church in Sharon, SC for 50 years.

Rev. Bankhead was a graduate of Jefferson High School in York, SC, and he later received his Associates Degree from Friendship College in Rock Hill, SC.  He also received his Honorary Doctorate degree from Agape Bible College in Gastonia, NC. He was also a longtime member of Mountain View Masonic Lodge #103.

A man who never met a stranger, Rev. Bankhead loved to travel and to eat and experience life. He loved his family, and would talk to you for hours if you let him. He had an excellent sense of humor, and he was a famous practical joker among his family and friends.  His favorite phrases were “stay focused,” “Buddy boy,” and “Aw, shucks.” He was a mentor to so many, and will be dearly missed.

Preceding him death are his brothers Robert Faye Bankhead and Gettys Bankhead; his sister, Mary Ann McKinney; a grandson, Darnell J. Johnson; and a great-granddaughter, Zyriel Palmer.

His loving memories are left to be cherished by his wife of 59 years, Mrs. Florence Robbins Bankhead of the home; his children: Rev. Dr. Janice Gore (Ronnie), Helen Bankhead, Arthur Bankhead, Jr. (Wanda), Evangelist Leslie Bankhead, Elder Marcella Makins (Donald), Rev. Arkiva Bankhead (Patricia); twelve grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; four sisters, Sarah Dennis, Barbara Simplice, Jean Taylor, and Joyce McClurkin; one brother, Porter Lee Bankhead; a special cousin, Stancy Bankhead (Ollie); and a host of other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm, Sunday, November 8, 2020 at St. Luke No. 1 Baptist Church in Sharon, SC with Rev. Persell Ross (St. Luke No. 2 Baptist Church & Baptist Convention Moderator) presiding, and Rev. Daniel Chisholm (Fairview Baptist Church, Carlisle SC) as eulogist.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, Saturday, November 7th at the funeral home.

***Please be aware that COVID-19 protocols WILL BE OBSERVED. Masks and social distancing guidelines will be followed both at the church and the funeral home.*** 

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