Christopher Jermaine Banks, 53, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away on August 18, 2026. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend whose kindness, unwavering love, and generous spirit touched the lives of many. Chris was a wonderful son, a dedicated and caring family man, and someone whose warm heart and unmistakable sense of humor could brighten any room. His presence will be deeply missed, and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Chris was born on June 16, 1973, in Portsmouth, Virginia. He attended schools in Virginia Beach and graduated from Kempsville High School in 1991. In 1997, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina, and began a successful career in the hospitality and restaurant industry. Throughout his career, he held management positions with AAFES in Little Rock, Arkansas, Host Marriott in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Don Pablo's Restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia.

In 2007, Chris traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, to attend his brother's wedding. What began as a family celebration became a life-changing experience. Inspired by the people, culture, and opportunities in Thailand, Chris chose to remain there and embarked on a new career as a science

teacher at a prominent Thai school. He spent the next fourteen years in Thailand, building meaningful friendships and making a lasting impact on the lives of his students.

In September 2021, Chris returned to Virginia to care for his beloved mother. Demonstrating the same dedication and selflessness that defined his life, he reentered the restaurant industry, joining the management team at Chili's in Norfolk, Virginia. In November 2025, he was promoted to General Manager of McDonald's on Granby Street in Norfolk, where he was respected for his leadership, professionalism, team building,and commitment to excellence.

Chris was a Prince Hall Mason in good standing and a member of St. Thomas A.M.E. Zion Church in Norfolk, Virginia. He valued faith, service, and fellowship, carrying those principles into every aspect of his life.

One of Chris's greatest gifts was his ability to stay connected. Whether through social media, a phone call, or a personal visit, he made it a priority to maintain relationships with family and friends. He was always ready to encourage, support, and celebrate the people he loved. Chris was known for being matter-of-fact, honest, dependable, and someone whose advice was grounded in common sense. He had an infectious sense of humor that could make people laugh even during difficult times, and his joyful spirit made every gathering better. Above all, he was a devoted son, a loving brother, and a proud uncle who treasured his nephew, Dominik Wilson, and nieces - Cameran Kimbrough and Aeijha Banks and was always there whenever they needed him.

Chris leaves to cherish his memory his loving mother, Sarah A. Banks; his sisters, Angela Riggens (Wickie) and Stacey Mooring; his brothers, Jerome Banks (Bon) and Kory Banks (Yuki); his special cousin, Barbetta Collareta; his lifelong best friend, Carlos Cooke; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 11:00 am at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, located at 500 Liberty St, Chesapeake, VA 23324. A viewing will take place on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the funeral home.