Ronald Wilbanks Obituary

Ronald Dalton Wilbanks, 75, passed away October 27, 2025. A native of Greer, he was a son of the late Percy M. and Bessie Forrester Wilbanks. Dalton grew up in a large family of thirteen children. His mother ran a small gas station/grocery store located on North Highway 101. His father was a pilot and his airstrip was right behind their house. Dalton retired from Christ Church Episcopal Schools in 2016, as Facilities Director after forty-six years of service. His hobbies and interests included airplanes, trains, and clocks. Dalton was still a licensed private aircraft pilot. Dalton and Judy met in 1999 at Cooper's Paint and Wallpaper, and liked to say, "we have been stuck on each other ever since." Most of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren lived within driving distance and their most treasured moments were getting everyone together and sharing a meal. He was the king of "Dad jokes", his quick wit and sense of humor, along with his fantastic smile made you feel at ease, and people were captivated by his large personality. Surviving are his wife, Judy Ann Solesbee Wilbanks of the home; four children, Mundi Owen (Lance) of Greer, South Carolina, Ronald L. Wilbanks (Carrie) of Greer, South Carolina, Tammy Taylor (Kevin) of Lyman, South Carolina, and Teresa Rodriguez (Morgan) of Newton, North Carolina; a brother, Raymond Wilbanks (Dorothy) of Greer, South Carolina; a brother-in-law, Ben Solesbee; eleven grandchildren, Austin Owen, Anna Owen, Isaiah Styles, Jakob Gilliam, Katelyn Styles, Maribeth Kreischer (Riley), Michael Davis (Kallye), Jessica Davis, Chelsea Townson (Justin), Cierra Townson, and Briana McCabe (Ben); and two great-grandchildren, Aubrey Townson and Hayden Townson. He was predeceased by three brothers, Donald, Marshall, and Melvin Wilbanks; and eight sisters, Paralie Gosnell, Moaitt Belcher, Thelma Styles, Marie Odom Rich, Martha Perry, Jeanette Tate, Bonnie Raynes and Evelyn Wilbanks. A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2025, at The Wood Mortuary Chapel conducted by Rev. Terry Wilkerson. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Greer, South Carolina. Visitation will be held 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2025, at The Wood Mortuary. Memorials may be made at Harmony Fellowship Church, General Fund, Post Office Box 286, Greer, SC 29652. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.