Gailord Leppo Banner

Gailord Leppo Banner, 69, of 337 Poteat Road, Morganton, NC, died Tuesday, October 1, 2013. He was born in Avery County, NC on February 13, 1944 to the late Jack Tate Banner and Bonnie Cooper Banner. He was a former member of the First Assembly of God. He was a 1963 graduate of Oak Hill High School. Gailord was a former employee of Broughton Hospital, Romarco, and Dana. He operated G & E Florist for several years. He was an avid fan of dirt track auto racing and sponsored a car and driver. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Reba Rose Rice, Teressa Carol Caridas and Phyllis Huntley; step-mother, Opal Clawson Banner.Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, he is survived by his wife, Linda Cornett Banner; daughters, Wendy Vanessa Banner and fiancé, James Dishman of Morganton; Sabrina Lynn Brooks and husband, Bruce of Oxford, NC; a grandson, Zane Patrick Brooks; (daughter) Sherri Beck and her husband, Homer, daughter, Amber and grandchildren, Taylor, Weston and Hailey of Killeen, TX. Also surviving are his sisters, Grace McGalliard of Hickory and Sheila Thompson of Newland; a number of nephews, nieces and dear friends; and canine companions, T.T. and Biscuit. The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to Gailord’s special nephews, Phillip McGalliard and Jack Caridas, who cared for Gailord during his final illness.The family will receive friends at Gailord’s home on Thursday, October 3, 2013 from 6pm - 9pm. His family will inter his cremains at Forest Home Community Cemetery on Sugar Mountain, NC with his son-in-law, Rev. Bruce Brooks officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.