Johnny Bryan Bankston

 Johnny Bryan Bankston, aged 75, born in West Point, Mississippi on November 10, 1948, passed away of sudden heart attack in Biloxi, Mississippi on March 27, 2024.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Caranna-Bankston, his son Johnny Bryan Bankston, his mother Mary Bankston, his brother James (Jimmy) Bankston, sister Patti Futrell, and his granddaughters by marriage Ash, Kat, and Elisa Caranna.

Born and raised in Mississippi, he found his lifelong passion for mechanics early on, which led him to serve honorably as an Auto and Diesel Mechanic in the U.S. Army from 1969-1972. He was a soldier in Spearhead, the Third Armored Division in Vietnam. His dedication was recognized through numerous awards, including the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Sharpshooter M16 and Sharpshooter M14 awards. He met his first wife while on deployment and had his first and only child with her. He was married two more times before he met his fourth wife, Linda. They originally met when he attended Gulfport East HIgh School and they reconnected in 2015 at their 50-year GEHS reunion After his military career, he continued his service as a captain in the Mississippi State Guard, earning a Commendation Ribbon. His professional life also included roles as a private investigator and insurance salesman. A man of diverse interests, he cherished classic cars, dedicating many hours to restoring his beloved antique El Camino. His membership in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Dart Association spanned 15 years, and he was also a skilled craftsman in beading and weaving jewelry. His warm personality and generous spirit made him a friend to many, leaving a legacy of love and respect in the hearts of those who knew him.

A graveside service with military honors will be held Friday, April 6, 2024 at 2:30 PM at Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Ave.  Biloxi, MS.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi served the family.

www.RiemannFamily.com