Walter Banyas

Mr. Walter Banyas, 75, 3901 Wayland Blvd., Johnson City, passed away Thursday, September 30, 2010 in the Johnson City Medical Center following a brief illness with lung cancer. Walt was a kind and gentle man who never met a stranger. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. Walt was a hard working and dedicated friend who was always there to help and could always make you laugh. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Mr. Banyas was a native of Lynch, Kentucky and had lived most of his life in Johnson City. He was the son of the late George and Anna Borchin Banyas. In addition to his parents, two brothers, George Banyas, Jr. and Andrew Banyas; three sisters, Mary Bagony, Margaret Banyas and Helen Takas also preceded him in death. Mr. Banyas proudly served in both the Army Corp of Engineers and the National Guard. He received a degree in Engineering from Eastern Kentucky University. Mr. Banyas was a retired Vice President of General Shale Products Corporation. He served on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Mining Association and Marley Holdings USA. He was a founding member of the GMA Scholarship Foundation and he served on the Tennessee Conservation League and the Brick Institute of America. He was appointed by former Governor Don Sundquist to the Council on Greenways and Trails. He was a member of St. Marys Catholic Church. Survivors include: his wife of nearly fifty-two years, Jean Riley Banyas of the home; two sons, Dr. Jeff Banyas and his wife Jana of Johnson City and Dr. Michael Banyas and his wife Suzanne of Bainbridge Island, Washington; one brother, Michael Banyas and his wife Louise of South Carolina; four grandchildren, Bradley Hunter Banyas of Johnson City, Matthew Riley Banyas of Johnson City, Ella Caroline Banyas and Anna Shelby Banyas both of Bainbridge Island, Washington. He is also survived by several very special neices and nephews. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Marys Catholic Church Building Fund, 2211 E. Lakeview Drive, Johnson City, Tn. 37601 or the American Cancer Society, 508 Princeton Road, Johnson City, Tn. 376001 in lieu of flowers. A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Walter Banyas will be conducted at 11 AM Monday, October 4, 2010 at St. Marys Catholic Church. Father Vijayan Joseph will officiate. The graveside committal service will follow in the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be: Bradley Banyas, Matt Banyas, Brad Banyas, Jimmy Banyas, Conner Banyas, Charlie Powers, George Powers, Tyler Powers, Jeff Mann. Honorary pallbearers will be the men and women of General Shale Products Corp. who he so dearly loved. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 PM Sunday at Morris-Baker.