BANNING ROBERT W. BANNING Automobile dealer, politician, and civic leader Robert W. Banning was born on March 10, 1927 in Washington, D.C., and was raised in Takoma Park, Maryland. He passed away on June 6, 2013. He was the son of the late George Samuel Banning and Iverna Cramer Banning. Mr. Banning was a graduate of Calvin Coolidge High School in the District of Columbia, where he lettered in football. After graduating from high school, Mr. Banning served in the United States Navy. Later, Mr. Banning attended the University of Maryland where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He later was a member of the Diamond Back Terrapin Club. After college, Mr. Banning joined his father in the automobile business at Banning-Sheehy. In 1950, Mr. Sheehy's interest was purchased and the dealership was renamed Banning & Sons Motors. During a 50 year career in the automobile business, Mr. Banning expanded the business into Bob Banning Motors, which included dealerships in New Carrollton and Hyattsville, Maryland. The New Carrollton location continues as part of the DARCARS Automotive family of dealerships. Mr. Banning was the recipient of numerous national automobile dealership awards during his career. Mr. Banning was on the Board of Directors of ATANCA which later became WANADA, the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association. Mr. Banning entered politics as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates. He later served as the Chairman of the Maryland Racing Commission under three governors.. During his tenure as Chairman of the Maryland Racing Commission, Mr. Banning served on the boards of several national thoroughbred horse racing associations. As an extension of his interest in horses, he began riding and jumping at age 58. He often enjoyed riding his horse, "Hans", in Virginia's horse country. Mr. Banning served on the Boards of Prince Georges County Hospital and Doctor's Hospital of Prince Georges County, and was a member of the Kiwanis Club. Additionally, Mr. Banning served on the Board of Trustees of Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia from 1987 to 1992, where he received the James Madison Award for his services to the college. He was President of the College's Parents Council in 1987. In addition to his parents, Mr. Banning was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth W. Banning and his brothers George S. Banning, M.D., and Bruce C. Banning, M.D. Mr. Banning is survived by Mary Jane Banning and Ola V. Brady. In addition, he is survived by his children Robert W. Banning, Jr., Georgeanne B. Landis, Roberta B. Emblidge, Scott J. Banning, M.D., James L. Banning and Christopher R. M. Banning, 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Mr. Banning had a life-long love of auto racing that included owning the "Bounty Hunters" and the "Bob Banning Dodge" which was the fastest funny car on the East Coast at one time. His passion for racing was evident as a young boy by his participation in the finals of the 1939 District of Columbia Soap Box Derby at age 12. Mr. Banning was later inducted into the Drag Racing Hall of Fame. Mr. Banning also enjoyed boating, particularly aboard his beloved "Puddin Head" where he could be found at the Annapolis Yacht Club, on the waters of Chesapeake Bay, at The Tides Inn in Irvington, Virginia or at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida. On Friday, June 14, 2013, the family will celebrate his life and receive friends at The Army Navy Country Club, 1700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, between 12 noon and 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions may be made in his memory to Virginia Hospital Center Foundation, 1701 N. George Mason Drive, Arlington, VA 22205 or Victory Junction at 4500 Adams Way, Randleman, NC 27317.
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It has been 7 years now and his name comes up often. Many times I say I learned this while working for Mr. Banning . He taught me a lot about life you do not get from a book. I always say , I learned a lot of people skills while working for him. God Bless you Mr. Banning, as you are and always will be an inspiration that has helped me all through my life. I am very proud to have been one of your employees.
John Phillips
Coworker
June 7, 2020
Stephen Savage
Acquaintance
June 7, 2019
IN LOVING MEMORY OF A WONDERFUL PERSON.MR.BANNING
WAS A GENTLEMAN TO WORK FOR.I LEARNED FROM HIM.HE IS IN MY PRAYERS.DEEPLY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
T.T.WHEELER JR BAY SHORE NY
TED WHEELER JR
June 20, 2013
Peace to you and your family Jim.
Faye and Karl Lemon
June 20, 2013
Love and light to all the Banning's we will miss Uncle Bob as well as everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him.
Marc & Terry Banning
June 15, 2013
My deepest sympathy to you all! He was such a gentleman and such a kind person! You are in my prayers.
Margo Marsh
June 15, 2013
Mr. Banning, one of the greatest men I ever had the pleasure and honor to have known. I worked for him in his dealership years ago.I remember the fond memories and life lessons I will cherish forever. He is a true american hero in my eyes and always will be, he taught me a lot. God Bless you Mr. Banning.
john phillips
June 14, 2013
My dearest sympathies to the family. He was one of the most Gracious Southern Gentleman; I had ever met. May he rest in peace.
Tom Howard
June 14, 2013
Betty Jack and I extend our deepest sympathy to your family during your time of sorrow. We have many fond memories together. I still have a picture of us together on the "Puddin' Head" with a submarine in the background at Annapolis".
Archer Ligon
Clarksville, VA
June 14, 2013
I will forever regret how we were forced to part. Bob was one of the finest, kindest and, overall, BEST men I have ever met. Greg Marcink
June 14, 2013
Sorry Banning family for your loss.
Russell Hits
June 14, 2013
Our sincerest condolences to the Banning family on their loss. Sr. was one of the most interesting individuals I ever met.
Marc & Jacqueline Schick
June 14, 2013
Rest in Peace Bob. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Banning Family. Thank you for the many memories spent with the Banning Family, I always enjoyed the time spent talking daily while working at Banning motors. RIP.
Allen Stevenson
June 14, 2013
My prayers and sympathies to the entire Banning family. Rest in Peace #7
Wes Young
June 14, 2013
Georganne, I'm sorry to hear about your father. Please know you're in our thoughts and prayers. Joan and Nelson
Joan Irey
June 14, 2013
We extend our deepest sympathies to the Banning family.
Stephen and Deborah Savage
June 13, 2013
I am sorry to read about the passing of your love one may God strength your family.
Mandy
June 13, 2013
We enjoyed your company any time we were with you. We wish your Family our love.
Roy & Ethel Manley
June 13, 2013
Our heart goes out to you at this time. We are truly sorry for your loss. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Reading Psalms 121 is a very comforting scriptural passage. There you will find assurance of God's support as well. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
The Taylor Family
June 13, 2013
Rest in Peace Big Daddy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Banning Family. Thank you for the many memories spent being a member of the Bob Banning Motors Family.
Ray & Susan Cannon
June 13, 2013
Bob was a great neighbor and he will be greatly missed.
Jim and Miriam Meister
June 13, 2013
Our prayers are with the family of Bob Banning. A wonderful neighbor. We will miss his warm smile. With our deepest sympathy, Mary and Jim
Mary and Jim Engoglia
June 13, 2013
Enjoyed every minute I spent with Big Bob and family. A great guy who enjoyed life to the fullest. When you went with Bob you went first class!
Kevin Ambrose
June 13, 2013
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