William Robert "Buddy" Wilbanks, age 78, of 207 Willet Way, Americus, died at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center Tuesday, June 25, 2013. A native of Cordele, he was born February 5, 1935, the son of the late Ernest Leland and Emy Lee Bragg Wilbanks. Buddy served in the Korean War and was a member of Central Baptist Church, MB Council Lodge # 13 F&AM, VFW. He also was an Auxillary Deputy Sheriff and Deputy Coroner of Sumter County. He worked many years with Sumter Broadcasting and was Santa to thousands of families. A memorial service will be held Friday, June 28, 2013, at 11:00 AM at Central Baptist Church with Rev. Tommy McConnell officiating. The family will receive friends at the residence of Harriett Williams, 205 Willet Way, Americus. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the charity of one's choice. Survivors include his daughter, Harriett Williams of Americus; three sisters-in-law, Marcine Crozier, Phyllis Thompson and Patti Britt; four nieces, Elaine Reeves, Marcia McClesky, Chris Tina Godfrey and Stacey Mohler; and four nephews, Robert Wilbanks, Chip Dorough, Jonathan Dorough and Matt Thompson. He was preceded in death by his wife Remelle Wilbanks; a granddaughter, Pamela Williams; a sister, Gloria Wilbanks; and a brother, Leland Wilbanks.