Jack Wilbanks

Jack Edwin Wilbanks passed away peacefully on February 10, 2024 in Macomb, Michigan at the age of 82.  He was born in Laurel, Mississippi on August 15, 1941 and grew up in Laurel and Brookhaven, MS.  As an adult he moved to the New Orleans area where he met and married Elma Lonsdale in 1970.

The family settled on the MS Gulf Coast in 1976, first in Pass Chirstian and then in Gulfport. He was a master salesman and managed men’s clothing departments in fine stores.  He knew what his customers needed before they did and they kept coming back. 

Jack loved all classic cars, but his favorite interest was promoting and restoring Mustangs.  He founded the Mississippi Gulf Coast Mustang Club in 1980 and became a certified national judge in the Mustang Club of America. He restored many cars (never modified) and was a trusted resource for many fellow Mustang lovers.

In 2018 he and Elma moved to Macomb, Michigan to be close to family. As a lover of warm weather, he never could get used to the snow and cold, and would look at the thermometer often and just shake his head.   His smile and mischievous sense of humor could always brighten a room.  He loved telling stories about Mustangs and the mischief he got into both growing up and later!

He was preceded in death by his parents, E J and Katherine Carey Wilbanks, his son, Alan Scott Wilbanks, and his sister Gloria Boone.  He is survived by his wife Elma Wilbanks, his daughters Belinda (Scott) Bernard, Donna Carter, his grandsons, Jason Bernard, Jacob Bernard, and Kyle (Erica) Carter and their children, a niece and many nephews.

A memorial service was held in Macomb, Michigan, but Jack asked to be returned to Mississippi. There will be a private burial at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. A visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday June 22, 2024 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS. 

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting any memorial donations be made to Michael Memorial Baptist Church, 15053 John Clark Rd., Gulfport, MS 39503 or to a charity of your choice.