Coley "Chip" Banks Jr.

Coley Banks Jr. (“Chip”)

Coley Banks Jr., lovingly known to family and close friends as “Chip,” was born on April 10, 1964, to Myrtle and Coley Banks Sr. at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. On February 6, 2026, Coley was reborn into eternal life and entered the presence of the Lord.

Coley began life in Cleveland’s Mt. Pleasant neighborhood, shaped by strong roots and the influence of those who came before him. He attended Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from Shaw High School in East Cleveland—Home of the mighty, mighty Cardinals—in the Class of 1982. At Shaw, Coley ran track, played football, wrestled, and served on the Canteen Council. He built lifelong friendships, including with Terry Taylor and Ryan Roberts.

As a teen, Coley accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. His mother gave him the nickname “Chip,” while his father fondly called him “Fox.” He was truly the apple of his parents’ eyes.

In 1982, Coley began college at Tuskegee Institute (later Tuskegee University) and graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He married the love of his life, Ursla, in 1988, and together they moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. Coley worked in accounting but felt a deeper calling, so he attended St. Petersburg Junior College and earned his R.N.

In 1998, Coley and Ursla returned to Northeast Ohio, where they settled for good. In the early 2000s, Coley became a member of Providence Church, deepening his lifelong faith. For over 20 years, Coley worked as a Registered Nurse at Cleveland’s MetroHealth Hospital, primarily in the Emergency Room, serving patients in urgent need.

Coley loved to read, advise, and “chop it up” in conversation. He was an avid football fan and respected expert marksman, admired for his knowledge and skill. Above all, his greatest joy was family. He was a devoted husband to Ursla; a caring father to Megan (Donna), Abigayle (Quadarius), and Coley III; a loving son to Myrtle; and a wonderful brother to Traci (Conrad). He cherished his sisters-in-law, Donna and Melody (Darryl), and a large circle of nieces and nephews. In 2023, he fulfilled his dream of becoming a grandfather, lovingly known as “Pop!” and “The Best” by his granddaughter, Zion "Zabby".

Coley’s love is strong, his impact lasting, and his story will never be forgotten. Though deeply missed, his spirit lives on in every life he touched.

His love is real. His impact is lasting. And his story will never be forgotten.

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