Samuel Stephen "Steve" Banner

June 26, 1942 - January 1, 2021

CASTLEWOOD, VIRGINIA - Samuel Stephen “Steve” Banner, 78, passed away on Friday, January 1st, 2021 at Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee. He was born in Radford, Virginia; son of the late Samuel Houston and Frances Williams Banner. Steve was a proud graduate of Castlewood High School. He earned his undergraduate degree from Lincoln Memorial University and his Master’s Degree from the University of Virginia. Steve was a proud lifelong resident of Castlewood, Virginia, where he dedicated his career to the community. His professional career included a cumulative of 54 years serving the youth of Russell County. His career included Teacher and Coach at Castlewood High School (1963-74), Principal of Clinch River Elementary (1974-77), Principal of Castlewood High School (1977-93), Director of Alternative Education (1993-2001), and Regional Alternative Education Director (2001-17). During his coaching career, Steve’s “Banner’s Bombers” captured the first-ever VHSL State Baseball Championship in 1971; this was followed by three consecutive runner-up state championships. In addition, Steve was a very active and proud member of the Russell County Democratic Party. He served over 30 yrs. as Chairman. He also served as a member of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission from 2002-2010. Other distinguished positions included Russell County Industrial Development Authority; Cumberland Plateau Regional Planning Commission Board of Directors; and, Board of Directors for Oxbow Authority. Other honors include Inductee of the LMU Educators Hall of Fame; Democratic Delegate to Regional and State Conventions. Steve was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved telling the stories of “the big catches” at Buggs Island. He cherished the memories of the hunting and fishing trips with his friends. In addition, he loved spending time on the family farm, socializing with dear friends, watching UVA-Wise baseball games, and spending time with his family; whom he loved dearly. He is survived by his wife Rita Jo Ring Banner; one son William “Hank” Banner (Bridget) of Castlewood, Virginia; one daughter, Robin Banner (Diane) of Knoxville, Tennessee; one sister, Becky Robertson (Reggie) of Clemons, North Carolina; one granddaughter, Brooke Banner; and three nephews. Following the COVID-19 restrictions set forth by the Governor of Virginia on face-covering requirements and social distancing, a Private Funeral Service for Samuel Stephen “Steve” Banner will be conducted in Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel in Castlewood, Virginia with Rev. Woody Scott and Randy Williams officiating. Interment will follow in the Banner Family Cemetery in Castlewood, Virginia. Pallbearers will be Jason Bush, Tony Bush, Derek Hicks, Jeff Kite, Moses Ordonez, Andrew Robertson, Justin Robertson, Patrick Robertson, and Lynn Sturgill. Honorary Pallbearers will be Bob Burke, Logan Bush, Bill Chafin, Steve Dye, Jerry Jessee, Dennis Hensdill, Butch Kiser, Benny Powers, and Myron Shupe A radio broadcast of the service will be available on the Castlewood Funeral Home parking lot on radio station 88.9 FM during the private service at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, January 7, 2021, for those to remain in their vehicle. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Steve’s Honor to the Roger E. Jessee Community Foodbank, P.O. Box 988, Castlewood Virginia, 24224. Online condolences may be sent to the Banner family through our website and a video tribute and funeral service may be viewed at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.