Ronald Banther

Lake Toxaway - Ronald Curtis Banther

If you were looking for a true competitor by nature, you needed look no further than Ronnie Banther. Regardless of the challenges bestowed upon him, he would rise to the occasion and level any obstacles in his path. Those who knew him realized this early on. From the days of his tough-nosed youth he began ripping up the football field at Brevard High before making his presence known as a fierce warrior throughout the Wolfpack nation at NC State.

Once there was nothing left to prove on the field, he focused his sights on the working world, where he followed his first career around the Southeast, staying in one place only long enough to bring each of his restaurants to a successful level before moving up and on. Once he tackled the highest grossing location in the company, it was time for his next challenge.

Moving home to his family and friends, Ronnie built a home, a business, and a legacy to be remembered by. In his second career, he became a small business owner and ventured into markets he had never been before. Devoting himself to this next challenge, he built himself into the man he needed to be to become successful.

Ronnie's ultimate challenge was to be a wonderful friend and more importantly, a great family man. He and his wife Pamela Parker Banther were high school sweethearts from 9th grade and nothing has or will ever come between them. He was a wonderful father to his two children Brett Ronald Banther and Brooke Leigh Banther. To each of them, he passed on his drive, dedication, and unruly spirit of competition. To this challenge, he was successful in more ways than one can count.

His last challenge might also have proven to be his greatest competition. Ronnie began his battle with cancer with the same tenacity and determination shown by that mean and nasty linebacker with the mohawk. Things progressed and the realization set in that it wasn't merely a battle of wits or strength. Understanding that cancer is nothing more than a parasite needing a host to survive, Ronnie knew that the only way to not let cancer defeat him was to remove the host on his own terms. The victory, however, was bittersweet and even though the spirit of a champion will forever live on, his family and friends are left to deal with the loss of a true winner in ever aspect of life.

Ronald Curtis Banther of Lake Toxaway, NC, died at home with his family Friday, September 2, 2011 at the age of 56. He is survived by his wife Pamela Parker Banther, daughter Brooke Leigh Banther and son Brett Ronald Banther and fiance Heather Grosse, all of Lake Toxaway; father Curtis Banther and wife Marilyn of Brevard; brother Garry Banther and wife Kim of Lake Toxaway, sister Diane Rice and husband Ricky of Brevard, and brother-in-law John D Parker Lake Toxaway; nieces Shannon, Kayla, Jennifer, and Rose nephews Kyle and Daniel. He was preceded in death by mother Virginia Lola Gravely and husband Joe.

Visitation will be at Moore Funeral Home of Brevard on Monday, September 5, from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Tuesday September 6 at First United Methodist Church of Brevard. Burial will follow at Pisgah Gardens.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to all of those who lovingly cared for Ron during his illness. Memorials may be made to Transylvania Regional Hospital Hospice, P.O. Box 2440, Brevard, NC 28712.

To leave a condolence for the Banther family, please visit "obituaries" at www.moore-fh.com .

Moore Funeral Home is caring for the family.