870-367-2451
info@stephensondearman.com
P.O. Box 506, 943 Highway 425 North, Monticello, AR71655

Gary Lavell Wilbanks
March 22, 1944 - July 30, 2020

Gary Lavell Wilbanks

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Gary Lavell Wilbanks, age 76 of Monticello, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2020. He was born March 22, 1944, in Mt. Pleasant, TX to the late Jude Wilbanks and Pauline Anderson Slovak. Lavell had a BSE from Arkansas A&M (now University of Arkansas Monticello). He was retired from the Army National Guard and the State of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services after 30 plus years of service. Lavell was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. Most important to him was the love he had for his family.
In addition to his parents, Lavell was also preceded in death by a daughter, Traci Wilbanks Burris; his brother, Vanoy Wilbanks; a niece, Lisa Wilbanks; and a sister in law, Joyce Carter Wilbanks.
Lavell is survived by one daughter, Tonya Wilbanks Gavin and husband Ray of Woodlawn; five grandchildren, Tye Burris and Jayme Burris both of Crosby, TX, Hannah Black and husband Grant of Little Rock, Tyler Gavin stationed in Afghanistan, and Olivia Gavin of Woodlawn; two great grandchildren, Paisleigh and Ryder; son-in-law Daren Burris, of Crosby, TX; the mother of his children, Carolyn Free Carter of Rock Springs, two nephews, Tiger Wilbanks and Chris Wilbanks; and a sister-in-law, Gloria Wilbanks of Monticello.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Please sign online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Memorials may be made to Monticello Second Chance Fur Dogs, LLC.

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Condolences(32)

  1. Don Ross
    Zachary, LA Thursday, August 13, 2020 I am sorry for your loss. Knew Lavell well in school and my prayers are with him and all of you. Don Ross
  2. Madelyn & Jeremiah Clark
    Greenwood, AR Friday, August 7, 2020 Praying for you Aunt Tonya and family. We’re so sorry for your loss. We love you all.
  3. Robin Bray
    Hampton, AR Thursday, August 6, 2020 Thoughts and prayers are with you guys.
  4. Carl Sivils Jr.
    El Dorado, AR Tuesday, August 4, 2020 Tanya and Family,

    So sorry for your loss. Prayers are lifted for you.
  5. Kathy R Curtis
    Monticello, AR Tuesday, August 4, 2020 Loved Mr Wilbanks. He was such a hoot! He was a teacher of mine at one time at Drew Central. Don't remember which class. I just remember that it was fun!
    Prayers for his family.

    Kathy Reed Curtis
  6. Gail Doss
    Rock Springs, AR Tuesday, August 4, 2020 He will be missed.
  7. Jacque Murphy
    Rison, AR Tuesday, August 4, 2020 So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family at this time.
  8. Don & Linda Gavin
    Rison, AR Tuesday, August 4, 2020 So sorry. To hear of the passing of your dad and your children’s grandfather. I pray for peace for your family.
  9. Wanda Bealer
    Little Rock, AR Monday, August 3, 2020 Sending my deepest sympathy to Tonya and the entire family.
  10. Rebecca Linzy Lowry
    Rison, AR Monday, August 3, 2020 Tonya and family,
    I pray God comforts you during this time.
    Lots of Love from our family to yours.
    Becky, Trent, Jake, and Elizabeth

  11. Mary Reid
    Newport, AR Monday, August 3, 2020 Tonya, so sorry to hear about you dad. Prayers for you and your family.
  12. Mary Jo Mitchell Pruitt
    Monticello, AR Monday, August 3, 2020 My memories of Lavell are going to the same church and riding the school bus. Lavell was always a good guy. My condolences and prayers go out to his family.
  13. CYNTHIA D BULLARD
    PINE BLUFF, AR Monday, August 3, 2020 What a beautiful soul! I worked as his secretary many years ago when I started working for ARS! Lavell was passionate about his job and compassionate for the people he served. I will never forget him. He was a super good guy to work for!!
  14. Charles Anderson
    Abilene, TX Sunday, August 2, 2020 Dear Family,
    Our heartfelt sympathy go out to all of you on the loss of Lavelle. I such precious memories of him and Vanoy as I lived with them for about a year after I got out of high school.
    Margie and I and our entire family send our love to all of you.
    May God bless,
    Charles (Choc) and Margie Anderson and family
  15. Becky Bolin
    , AR Sunday, August 2, 2020 I am so sorry to hear about Lavelle. Special prayers for the family.
  16. Kenneth and Kathryne Burton
    Monticello, AR Sunday, August 2, 2020 We are thinking of you in this time of grief. I know you have had quite a bit of sorrow in the past months and we are thinking you all the time. Love you all.
  17. Tim and Alison Doss
    WILMAR, AR Saturday, August 1, 2020 Tonya and Family so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
  18. Marijo Pruett Miles
    Springfield, MO Saturday, August 1, 2020 So very sorry for your loss . My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
  19. Jim Glennon
    Little Rock, AR Saturday, August 1, 2020 So very sorry for your loss. He made some of our years in school more bearable. Peace and strength to the family.
  20. Rachel Pevey
    Monticello, AR Saturday, August 1, 2020 So sorry to hear about Lavelle. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tonya and Family.
  21. Pamela Pace Blann
    Crossett, AR Saturday, August 1, 2020 RIP Lavell,. I thought alot of you when you were teaching school! You had a fun side about you that we loved! Rest in peace my friend!
  22. Walt Sawyer
    Monticello, AR Friday, July 31, 2020 sry to see him gone,,back in the day we would see him at the pool hall on evenings and we all played Dominoes alot
  23. Darrell W Kuykendall
    El Dorado, AR Friday, July 31, 2020 Hate to hear of the death of Lavell. Worked with him for thirty or so years and always thought the best of him. He was just a genuine non-pretentious good guy. Us old Rehab guys are all going away. God Bless and keep all of you.
  24. Jody Gladden
    Monticello, AR Friday, July 31, 2020 Tonya, I am so sorry to hear of Lavell's passing. Praying the Lord gives you strength and peace. He always spoke so highly of his daughter, Tonya who is a lady! He loved you dearly!
  25. Gary M Pope
    NASHVILLE, TN Friday, July 31, 2020 Vell as I called him was my stepdad back in the late 70's early 80's. I will never forget the fishing and hunting I got to experience with him.! He was a great father figure to me at a time I desperately needed it.He was certainly one of a kind. I always wanted my wife and son to meet Vell, our paths just seemed to never cross. Rest in peace and save some crappie for your buds. Gary Pope.
  26. Alice Robinson Thomas
    Redfield, AR Friday, July 31, 2020 I am so sorry to hear Mr. Wilbanks passed away. He was my teacher at Drew Central a very long time ago. We all thought he was a fun and interesting teacher! He certainly could take a joke because some of the kids would play pranks on him but he never got that upset. Please know I will pray for the family that God will send you all comfort and peace. May God bless you all during this difficult time!
  27. Lynda Hood
    Monticello, AR Friday, July 31, 2020 So sorry . You were a good friend to my husband Robin Hood. May God keep his hand on your family.
    Lynda Hood
  28. Joyce smith
    , AR Friday, July 31, 2020 So sorry Tonya/ my prayers are with you and your family.
  29. Jeremy Turner
    Warren, AR Friday, July 31, 2020 Sorry for your loss
  30. Dianne Reeves
    Warren, AR Friday, July 31, 2020 Sorry for your loss
  31. Dennis Wells
    Springdale, AR Friday, July 31, 2020 Prayers for the family. Mr. Wilbanks for a great guy.
    Dennis Wells
  32. Lavera Burton
    Monticello, AR Friday, July 31, 2020 We are so sorry to read about Gary. He was one of the nicest guys we*ve had the privileged of calling a friend. He will be dearly missed.May he rest in peace our thoughts and prayers are with all those who cared for him and loved him. Pete and Lavera Burton
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