2025 SESSION
ENROLLED
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 578
Celebrating the life of Rufus A. Banks, Sr.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 10, 2025
WHEREAS, Rufus A. Banks, Sr., a retired educator and a highly admired community leader in Norfolk, died on October 7, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Rufus Banks grew up in Norfolk, where he graduated from Booker T. Washington High School; he subsequently earned a bachelor's degree from Virginia State University, a master's degree from Hampton University, and an advanced graduate studies certificate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; and
WHEREAS, a passionate lifelong learner, Rufus Banks conducted additional studies at the University of Virginia, Old Dominion University, and Radford University, then embarked upon a long and fulfilling career in education after serving his country as a member of the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, Rufus Banks worked for Norfolk Public Schools as a teacher and chair of the social studies department at Ruffner Middle School, then served as an assistant principal at Maury High School, Granby High School, and Norview High School; he was a distinguished life member of the National Education Association, Virginia Education Association, Education Association of Norfolk, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals; and
WHEREAS, Rufus Banks also offered his leadership, insights, and expertise to his local branch of the NAACP, Saint Paul Masonic Lodge No. 71, Chesapeake Men for Progress, and the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission; and
WHEREAS, Rufus Banks earned many awards and accolades for his personal and professional achievements, including an American Legion School Award, a Man of the Year award from the Alpha Phi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and an Unsung Hero Award from the Norfolk Pan-Hellenic Council; and
WHEREAS, a man of deep and abiding faith, Rufus Banks enjoyed fellowship and worship with the community as a longtime member of the historic First Baptist Church of Norfolk, where he was named deacon emeritus and served as a Sunday school superintendent, Sunday school teacher, trustee, and chair of the diaconate; and
WHEREAS, Rufus Banks will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his beloved wife, Fannie; his sons, Rufus and Michael, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Rufus A. Banks, Sr., an esteemed member of the Norfolk community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Rufus A. Banks, Sr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.