Joseph W. Bankston, a resident of Amite, passed away at 1:48 a.m. on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was born October 25, 1927 in Amite and was 89 years of age. He is survived by his nephew, Robert Bankston; great nephew, Michael Allen Bankston; great nephew, Gabriel Bankston and great great-niece, Celeste Bankston; and numerous cousins. Preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Idel Miley Bankston; wife, Lucille Bankston; nephew, Bill Bankston; and great nephew, Bobby Joseph Bankston. Visitation was held at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 12 p.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 11, 2017. Interment Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.