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Don Bangs was born on Feb. 29, 1940 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Donald and Marion Bangs. He graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1963 with a B.S. in Finance and was a proud “Fighting Illini” throughout his life.

After college, Don went to work for Uniroyal, Inc. textiles, first in Mishawaka, Indiana and later in Port Clinton, Ohio. Don met his future wife, Patricia Lee, while in Port Clinton, but after nine years with Uniroyal, he was recruited to work for West Point Pepperrell.

Don started his job with West Point Pepperrell in Oct. of 1972 but soon discovered that he couldn’t live without Pat and convinced her to move south.  Pat and Don married in May of 1973 when he was the Plant Merchandise Manager for Lanett Mill in Lanett, Alabama. He was promoted to Merchandise Manager for the needle punch plant in Milledgeville, Georgia and eventually and was placed in charge of non-woven sales in the Southern United States.

Don left West Point Pepperrell in 1978 when he and Pat started their own textile company, GemTex Sales Corporation. Pat retired in 1998 but Don continued to operate GemTex until his death on Dec. 29, 2020.

Don was a long-time Atlanta Falcons season ticket holder following the Falcons from Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium to the Georgia Dome to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. He and Pat enjoyed travelling together and spending time in their second home in Destin, Florida. Most of all, Don enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Marion Bangs and his brother George Bangs. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Patricia Lee Bangs, along with his children Al Bangs, Jeff Bangs, Paula Dolar, Monique (Jack) Kirby, Kirt (Michelle) Fouquet, Gemini (Tyson) Bangs Alexander and his eleven grandchildren, Ryan Dolar, Jason Dolar, Eric Dolar, Max Kirby, Alex Kirby, Natalie Fouquet, Benjamin Fouquet, Madeline Alexander, Nick Alexander, Cecelia Alexander and Blaise Alexander.

A private family service will be held Thursday, Dec. 31 at 11 a.m. at St. Peters Catholic Church in LaGrange, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Peters Catholic Church.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, Georgia 30240 (706) 884-8636