Obituary of Robert Alexander Banner-Lyerly

Judge Robert Alexander Banner-Lyerly, age 78, of Banner Elk, passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2022. Alec was born in Avery County, NC, in 1944, where his heart stayed until his passing. He had a servants heart for his mountains, children, the law, anyone in need, and all animals especially Scotties. His heart has always been strong for his faith in his Lord and his son, Keir, and his wife, Brenda. He was a gregarious child who grew up in a small town where his grandmother had a tea room. After. school he would have milk and cookies on someone's front porch or go to the tea room and chat with people or get advice from his beloved Uncle Robert Banner. The small town life suited him. He graduated from Avery High School, Lees-McRae College, Appalachian State University and South Texas School of Law. Prior to law school, he had positions as Assistant Administrator at the Watauga Medical Center and then as a Teacher at Avery High School. After graduating from law school in May of 1975, he married Brenda Smith and moved back to his beloved Avery County to practice law with Kelly Johnson in Newland. They showed the world that a Republican and a Democrat and a Baptist and a Catholic could be good partners and good friends. In 1980, Alec was elected as Judge in the North Carolina 24th Judicial District, where he served until his retirement in March, 2014. Alec was a member of the American Bar Association, Judicature Society, State Bar of Texas, North Carolina State Bar, North Carolina Association of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, International Bar Association, and was certified as a specialist in juvenile law. Alec is a Deacon in the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He served on the Board of Crossnore School, Inc., North Carolina Judicial Standards Committee, was former President, Chairman and then Chairman Emeritis of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. He was also a Kentucky Colonel and was knighted into the Knights Templar. His honors include the North Carolina Order of the Long Leaf Pine, Agnes McRae Morton award for Outstanding Contributions to the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, the Martha Guy Hall of Legends Award for Avery County Stewardship, and the Crossnore School for Children Distinguished Service Award. You worked hard for the betterment of all people with your wisdom, compassion and guidance. May you now rest in peace with your eternal reward. Alex is survived by his wife, Brenda Smith Lyerly; son, Alexander Keir Lyerly and wife, Ruby, of Corpus Christi, TX; grandson, Evan Alexander Lyerly also of Corpus Christi and nephew, Steven Lyerly. Numerous aunts, uncles and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Carlyne Banner Lyerly, his brother, Carl Lyerly and his grandmothers, Eva Lowe Banner and Beulia Cline-Lyerly. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday morning, December 17, at 11 o'clock at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Linville, officiated by Father Christopher Bond. Graveside services will follow in the Historic Banner Elk Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday, December 16, from 3 until 7 o'clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home in Boone. Lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Amorem Hospice, 902 Kirkwood St., NW, Lenoir, NC, 28645 or to Hospitality House of Northwest, NC, 338 Brook Hollow Road, Boone, NC 28607 Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Lyerly family.