Mark Wayne Banks, age 58, of LaGrange, Georgia, passed away on September 30, 2026. He was born on December 8, 1967, and was a lifelong native of LaGrange, where he attended LaGrange High School. Mark was preceded in death by his father, Bobby Wayne Banks, and his mother, Gail Garner Banks.

He is survived by his daughter, Ashley; his son and daughter-in-law, Brent and Courtney; his brother and sister-in-law, Chris and Jessie; his sister and brother-in-law, Melissa and Jonathan; his beloved grandchildren, Braylyn, Brooklyn, and Wrenley; his nephew, Chap; his nieces, Darian and Alexah; several cousins; and his lifelong best friend, Gary Pike.

Throughout his life, Mark was known for his strong work ethic and the pride he took in whatever job was before him. He served as an area manager for Domino’s Pizza, where he mastered the art of throwing dough with enough flair that he could have been mistaken for Tom Cruise in Cocktail—if Tom Cruise had been behind a pizza counter. Mark later worked alongside his father, Bobby, for many years as a service technician with Proway Pest Control. The two were also co-owners of West Georgia Removal Service. In his most recent years, Mark worked as a truck driver, a profession he approached with the same dedication and pride that characterized his entire working life. Mark never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anybody and leave them laughing before it was over. He was a colorful storyteller, a talented impressionist, and the kind of man who could turn an ordinary memory into a story worth hearing again. Music was another constant in Mark’s life. His tastes were as varied as his personality, with a catalog that stretched from Elvis Presley to Lynyrd Skynyrd and plenty in between. When he wasn’t working or telling stories, there was a good chance Mark could be found fishing. If there was a fish anywhere in Troup County and he had a line, some bait, and a little free time, that fish was fair game. Fishing brought him peace, fun, and no shortage of stories. More than anything, though, he cherished his family. He loved reminiscing about days gone by with his mom and siblings, and an evening spent with Mark was rarely complete without at least a few, “Hey, you remember when…”s. 

His greatest joy, however, was found in his children and grandchildren. They were the center of his world, and his proudest and happiest moments were those that involved them. He took tremendous pride in their lives, their accomplishments, and simply being part of their world. Mark leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, memories, and love. He will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. 

Dear Dad, You did not get to stay for every chapter of my life. But your love is written into every page that came after you. You shaped who I am, and I will carry our story through every chapter still to come. Love, Me.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary Chapel in LaGrange, Georgia, on October 10, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will begin at 3:00 pm following the gathering. Those wishing to send flowers for the service and contribute to a cause close to Mark's heart may contact The Dapper Daisy, 470-549-4749, and a portion of the purchase will be donated to Steps of Faith, www.stepsoffaithfoundation.org