Raymond Palmer Wilbanks, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on July 15, 1943, in Atlanta, to the late Sanford David Wilbanks and Clela Stephens Wilbanks, he filled the lives of those around him with love and laughter, leaving behind cherished memories that will forever warm the hearts of his family and friends.
The middle of three boys, Raymond discovered life’s greatest joy when he met the love of his life, Barbara (“Bobbie”) Wilbanks, at a pizza parlor in Alexandria, Virginia. Married for 55 years, they built a devoted and joyful life together in Peachtree Corners where they raised their daughter, Erin, and later welcomed two grandchildren who brought immeasurable pride and happiness into his life.
Raymond graduated from Sylvan Hills High School in southwest Atlanta in 1961 and went on to play college football for two years at the University of Chattanooga before completing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Georgia. Following his education, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving honorably in the Army Corps of Engineers. He later began a successful career in sales within the HVAC industry with Armstrong Air Conditioning, a division of Lennox.
Raymond found joy in coaching his daughter’s softball and basketball teams, golfing with lifelong friends, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves, and supporting his grandchildren in every endeavor they pursued.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David. He is survived by his loving wife, Bobbie; his daughter and son-in-law, Erin and Casey Masters; his cherished grandchildren, JD and Brooke; his brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Barbara Wilbanks; as well as several nieces and a nephew. His gentle spirit, steady presence, and deep love for his family will be profoundly missed.
A celebration of life will be held on December 20, 2025, at Simpsonwood United Methodist Church in Peachtree Corners with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and memorial service at 2 p.m. A private burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to The Salvation Army-Metro Atlanta Area Command, 1000 Center Place, Norcross, Ga. 30093.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements by Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel Funeral Home, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Peachtree Corners, Ga. 30092.
