Thomas Banner

Obituary of Thomas Peter Banner

Thomas Peter Banner, 71, passed away at home on July 9, 2018. Tom was born in Newtonville, MA on January 18, 1947. An only child, he is survived by his wife Betsy, his daughter Amy Banner of Fairfax, VA and his stepdaughter, Margaret Durant (fiancé Michael Smith) of Arlington, VA. He also leaves his sisters and brothers-in-law, Martha and James Lisher of Shelbyville, IN, Ann and Brian Cunningham of Louisville, KY, and Jane and Stephen Alberico of Plano, TX. Predeceased are his parents, Kenneth Lester and Helen (Confrey) Banner. Tom graduated from Centenary College in Shreveport, LA and was a proud Vietnam veteran. In 1971, he began a 37-year federal career with the U.S. Customs Service, now Customs and Border Protection. He began as a Customs Inspector in the tiny port of Beecher Falls, VT and progressed through a broad range of inspectional and trade enforcement positions in Montreal, Canada, Buffalo, NY, Boston, MA and 27 years in Washington, DC. He retired as a senior manager, playing a significant role in redefining policy after the September 11 attacks and integrating Customs and Immigration officers with the formation of the Department of Homeland Security. In 2010, after his retirement, Tom and Betsy moved to Hilton Head Island, SC, where they made many new and dear friends. Tom served as Treasurer of the Indigo Run Men’s Club for 6 years and volunteered time on the committees of the community owners association. He enjoyed boating, golf, travel and was excited to serve as a hole co-captain at the Heritage Golf Tournament. He was an avid sports fan, particularly loyal to the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. His favorite activity was spoiling his beloved cat Shelby. Funeral services will be held on Saturday July 21, 2018 at the Island Funeral Home and Crematory at 10:30am. Following the service will be a reception at The Golf Club at Indigo Run. Burial will be at the Beaufort National Cemetery on Monday July 23, 2018 at 11:00am. Donations in Tom’s memory may be made to; Hilton Head Humane Association,10 Humane Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Phone: (843) 681-8686 or Tidewater Hospice , 10 Buckingham Plantation Dr, Bluffton, SC 29910 Phone: (843) 757-9388 whose wonderful staff provided such compassionate care to Tom during his last days.

Funeral Services Reception Services Burial

Date & Time: July 21, 2018 (10:30 AM) Venue: The Island Funeral Home and Crematory Location: 4 Cardinal Road Hilton Head Island SC Phone Number: (843) 681-4400
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