Michael "Mickey" Banyas

Michael Banyas died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family on January 14, 2017 at 11:49 pm. He battled Lewy Bodies Disease for the last five years of his life. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Louise Banyas; his daughter, Mickie Lou Banyas; his sons, James (Jimmy) Banyas, and Brad Banyas; his daughter-in-law, Brandy Banyas; 4 grandchildren, Connor, Madeline, Cason, and Michael Banyas; his cherished dog, Jackson Banyas; Sister-in-law, Barbara Banyas and nieces Ann and Wendy; Sister-in-law Lois Banyas and nieces Helen and Patty; and Sister-in-law Jean Banyas and nephews, Jeff and Mickey Banyas. He was preceded in death by his two children, Robert Michael and Terry Lee Banyas; his sisters, Helen Takacs and Mary Banyas; his brothers, Walt, Georgie, and Andrew; his brother-in-law Louie Takacs; and his parents, Anna and Nianio (George) Banyas.

Michael lived a full life, having grown up in coal mining country of Lynch, Kentucky, becoming an All American football player at East Tennessee State University. Michael served his country as a Captain in the United States Army as a Pilot stationed in Germany. He came back to the states and worked in the computer software industry for 30 years. He started a few companies himself, including Voices Sciences and Waste Sciences. He was an entrepreneur and inventor at heart with five patents, including the Yankee Flipper, a squirrel proof bird feeder sold around the world. He also invested in a family media venture with his daughter Mickie that produced 3 short films, which won awards and were seen in film festivals around the world, including “Ring of Music” starring his wife, daughter, dog, and himself as an extra.

Known as Pee-Paw to his Grandchildren, Michael was a loyal Father, Friend, Husband, Grandparent and Business partner. His wit and sense of humor defined his spirit and legacy. Michael was always willing to help others and invest his time, heart, and money solely on the fact that he believed anything could be accomplished.

He will be missed, his contributions and memory will live on in the many lives he touched over the last 80 Years. We will see you on the other side, Dad we love you.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 19, 2017, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park, located at 4997 Memorial Blvd, Kingsport, TN 37664. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm, immediately following the visitation with Father Philip Scott officiating. Interment will follow at 1:00 pm at East Lawn Memorial Park.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the ETSU Football Fund. Donations can be sent to https://tkt.xosn.com/donor/DonorProfile.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=16500&_MODE_=NEWPLEDGE&NEW_FUND_ID=26339, or you can contact the ETSU Athletic Department at ETSU Athletics, Attn: Mr. Matt McGahey, 1081 John Robert Bell, P.O. Box 70707, Johnson City, TN 37614.