Obituary: Mary Earline Smith Banic

Mary Earline Smith Banic, age 90, of Oak Ridge passed away Thursday, January 22.

Earline was born in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, on September 3, 1924, and moved to Oak Ridge in 1946 after graduating from Winthrop College. She worked for Carbide and Carbon Chemicals Division of Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation in the Plant Lab until 1953. She met and married George Banic while working in Oak Ridge.

Earline was very active in First Baptist Church, singing in the choir and working in many mission activities. She was instrumental in working with the women in the Briceville area, teaching them sewing skills and ministering to them. 

Earline and George enjoyed boating on Norris Lake, were very involved with the local Power Squadron, and Square Dancing. They were active in many Oak Ridge events and knew a large number of people in Oak Ridge. Earline never met a stranger, always interacting to find common acquaintances.

Earline and George frequently travelled within the U.S. and overseas, and enjoyed many beach trips in Florida, having made many friends that are still contacts today. As a result of their many walks on the beach, Earline collected shells and made beautiful wreaths out of the most beautiful shells.

Earline was preceded in death by parents, Doctor Earl and Aileen Watson Smith of Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina; husband, George Banic; sister-in-law, Catherine Smith; and sister-in-law, Frances Deets.

She is survived by her brother, Carroll Smith of Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina; brother-in-law, Richard Banic and his wife Luella of Ft. Smith, Arkansas; nieces, Cindy Smith of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Gayle Miller and her husband John of Transfer, Pennsylvania; and many great nieces and nephews.

We are very grateful for the special care Earline received from her many friends, Canterfield of Oak Ridge, and her caregivers.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 25, at First Baptist Church of Oak Ridge from 3 to 5 p.m. The funeral service will follow at 5 p.m. with Rev. Gary Nistler officiating. Family and friends will gather at 11 a.m. on Monday for a graveside service at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

Weatherford Mortuary is handling the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.