William Claude Banner, Jr

Mr. William Claude Banner, Jr. age 82 of 347 Ivy Green Trail, Lowgap, NC husband of Mrs. Pat Norris Banner passed away Monday, September 3, 2007. He was born December 23, 1924 in Surry County, NC to the late William C. Banner, Sr. and Chloe Hughes Banner. Though he passed quietly at his home in the NC foothills, not far from where he was raised, Bill had traveled the world in his lifetime. He was a merchant marine through World War II, finally landing by chance in Corpus Christi, TX. In Corpus, he began his 36 year career in law enforcement, rising through the ranks to become Chief of Police. He was also a loving husband to Pat for 40 years and an exceptional father to Denise. In his last few years, he also became an adored "Papa" to Taylor and Barrett, his grandchildren. He had an insatiable curiosity about life which led him to live the life of 10 men. He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed by his many friends and especially by his family. Surviving are his wife, Pat N. Banner of the home, a daughter and son-in-law, Denise E. Digh and Robert Samuel Digh, Raleigh, NC, a granddaughter, Taylor Elizabeth Lach, Raleigh, NC, a grandson, Barrett William Robert Digh, Raleigh, NC, a sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Bobby Howell, Tulsa, OK, two brothers-in-law and wives , Roger and Virginia Norris, Kingsville, TX, Stephen and Cheri Norris League City, TX and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Banner was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Banner Martin. A memorial service will be held 11:00 am Friday, September 7, 2007 at Moody Funeral Home Chapel of Mt. Airy conducted by Brother Frank Huffman. Mr. Banner will be interred at Ivy Green Baptist Church Cemetery at a later date. There will be no formal visitation at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mt. Airy, NC 27030.
Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.