Obituary of Solomon Bankhead

The sun rose on the life of Mr. Solomon Bankhead on May 2, 1930 in Sulligent, Alabama when he was born to Teed and Luberta Bankhead. The second of eight children, Solomon had three brothers, Nathaniel, Will and Clinton and four sisters, Jettie, Millie, Marthleeta and Audrey. As a child, he liked hunting and fishing. Educated in the public school system, Solomon left school as soon as he was old enough (15) to go to work for the railroad and help support his family. At the age of twenty, he relocated to Denver, Colorado with his uncle to begin his new life. Solomon was first united in marriage with his school sweetheart, Sammie L. Davis in Sulligent. To this union were born four children, James, Debra and twin sons who passed away shortly after birth. Sammie joined Solomon in Denver when he got settled and sent for her. The marriage was good. They were young and glad to be going to Denver to start a new life. Debra remembers, "He loved going to Alabama. We went there every summer as kids." On June 19, 1978, Solomon was united in marriage with Elva White. He became the loving stepfather of Terry and April. Solomon and Elva did alot of traveling together. In later years, Solomon's grandchildren, Devida, David, Landon, James, Solomon and Octiva lovingly called him "Grandaddy" and remember that he was at every birthday party and brought really good gifts! A man of faith, Solomon was a member of Scott United Methodist Church where he was an usher. He was also an active member of Rocky Mountain Lodge No. IFEAM {DHA}. By profession a cooling systems engineer, he was employed with Martin Marietta for 35 years until retirement. He was known for hard work and dedication. He went back to school in the 80's for a promotion while there. In his free time, Solomon enjoyed family, friends and going back to Alabama for visits. His best friends were his brothers and brothers-in-law, John, James and Charlie Davis. They loved his good nature. He never met a stranger and liked everyone. His honesty ("Don't tell no lies"), good nature and love will be deeply missed by all who knew this wonderful man. To know Solomon was to love him. The sun set of the life of Mr. Solomon Bankhead on May 3, 2017 when the Lord called him home to eternal rest. Those left to cherish his memory include his son, James Bankhead of Denver, CO; daughter, Debra Harper- Bankhead (Darrell Walton) of Aurora, CO; brother, Clinton L. Bankhead; sisters, Willie Mae Thomas, Martha Lee, all of Sulligent, AL, Jettie Oliver of Detroit, MI and Audrey Shacklefield of Fayetteville, AL; 6 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.