August 20, 1962 – September 23, 2023

Russell Eric Banther, 61, of Lake Toxaway, NC passed peacefully at Elizabeth House Four Seasons Hospice Care in Flat Rock, NC on September 23, 2023. He was surrounded by family and music he loved.

A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Russell was honored by staff at Elizabeth House with a special ceremony, during which staff and family sang the Marine Corps Hymn and "America, the Beautiful." He received a final salute from a fellow veteran, and Marine Corps emblem pins, one of which reads "Once a Marine, Always a Marine." Also provided were an embroidered fleece blanket, and a framed certificate which reads, "We pay special tribute to you for your military service to America and for advancing the universal hope of freedom and liberty for all." While Russell was humble about his service, the family is grateful for Elizabeth House staff's acknowledgement and celebration of veterans.

After his time in the service, Russell enjoyed listening to music, riding motorcycles, following his favorite sports teams and NASCAR, and watching (and briefly participating in!) professional wrestling. He was employed in various types of construction in both western North Carolina and Georgia, and for some years at M-B Industries in Rosman, NC. He was known as somewhat soft-spoken, but also adventurous and playful, with a good sense of humor.

Russell was preceded in death by, and is now reunited with, paternal grandparents, Dock Leo and Betha Patterson Banther; maternal grandparents, Carl Banther and Rhoda Clark Rice; parents, Kenneth Banther and Ruth Woodring (Rufus); brother, Joseph Banther; and beloved pet, a Pomeranian named Foxy. He is survived by brothers, Michael Banther and Bryan Kelly Banther of Lake Toxaway; sister, Freda Dias (André) and nephews and niece, Caleb Dias, Joshua Dias, and Sara Dias of Cary, NC; long time best friend, Lane Peabody of Old Toxaway; as well as many dear aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services will be arranged with Moody-Connolly Funeral Home (181 South Caldwell Street, Brevard, NC). Pastor Fred Griggs will officiate. Please visit https://www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com/obituaries or call 828-884-2220 for further details.

While the family welcomes flowers, in lieu of them, please consider a donation to Elizabeth House Four Seasons Hospice ( FourSeasonsFDN.org ), where Russell and his family received respectful, compassionate care.