Richard Willbanks

Mr. Richard Keith Willbanks, age 58 of Woodbine, Ga., passed away on the evening of February 17th, 2023 in Brunswick, Ga.

Mr. Willbanks was born on May 17th, 1964 in Hayti, Missouri to the late Auther and Bertie Willbanks.

From Caruthersville, Missouri, Rich and wife Lori spent time living in Missouri, Tennessee, and finally coastal Georgia. A quiet man who often kept to himself, Rich was always ready and willing to serve where needed, at church, school, and in the local community, usually behind the scenes. He was quite capable, able to figure out how to do almost any job. He would often find creative solutions for challenging problems.

Rich had a lifelong love of learning. An avid reader from childhood, he used to describe himself as a fountain of useless knowledge. (And much useful knowledge as well.) His interests included amateur radio, hunting/shooting, fishing, raising livestock, and many other varied subjects. He loved to cook as well, and his creativity often came to life in the kitchen. In recent years he became involved on social media, which he initially disdained, until he realized what a powerful tool it could be for influencing minds. Many of his views were unpopular, and he often incurred the wrath of his audience. But his primary aim was to urge people to really think about things, rather than simply spout the socially accepted position.
A truly unique individual, a witty man, a devoted husband and father, Rich will be sorely missed by the many whose lives he touched.

Mr. Willbanks is survived by his wife, Lori Willbanks of Woodbine, Ga.; his daughter, Erica (Jacob) Vicars of Indian Mound, Tn.; his son, Vance (Brittney Musser) of Covington, Ga.; his sister, Teresa (Danny) Weber of Greeneville, Tn.; his grandchildren, Zachary, Samson, Elias Vicars; his nephews, Daniel Weber, Joshua Willbanks, Dominic (Krystelle) Metroplos; his nieces, Dana (Noel) Russell, Sara (Jonathan) Byrd, Tina Metroplos and many grand-nieces & nephews.
Besides his parents, Mr. Willbanks was preceded in death by his brother, Steven Willbanks.

A visitation will be held from 5 pm to 6 pm Saturday, February 25th, 2023 at Three Rivers Church in St. Marys, Ga. Funeral Services will follow at 6 pm in the church.