Sam Edward Banks, 92, of Live Oak, Florida, formerly of Stuart, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026.

Born in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, to Velvet and Cammie Bayne Banks, Sam lived a life defined by faith, family, service, and dedication to his community. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1955, a chapter of his life that reflected the patriotism and honor he carried throughout his years.

In 1955, Sam married the love of his life, JoAnn Mullinax. Together they shared an extraordinary 70 years of marriage, building a family whose generations stand as a testament to their love and commitment.

Sam devoted much of his life to serving others. He was a respected businessman, a member of the Martin County Sheriff's Posse, and was actively involved in numerous organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Shriners, and the Martin County Fair, where he proudly served as President. His leadership, generosity, and willingness to lend a helping hand left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Above all, Sam cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather whose wisdom, humor, strength, and unwavering love will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, JoAnn Mullinax Banks; his children, Juanita Degenhard (Art), Rita Gross (Dan), Bertha Bloomster (Bobby), Margo Spooner (John), and William Sam Banks (Brenda); 19 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 23 great-great-grandchildren; his sister, Thelma Quigley and his brother, John Smith (Kelly).

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 2PM Georgia National Cemetery. The Banks family will receive friends on Tuesday from 11AM until 12:30PM at Northside Chapel Funeral Directors in Roswell, Georgia. A reception will follow the graveside service at Living Word Church Jasper.

The family finds comfort in knowing that Sam's legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the generations of family he loved so dearly.