STONEVILLE — Thomas Broadhurst Banzet died peacefully in his home Wednesday, January 3, 2013, after a valiant struggle with pancreatic cancer. He was 67.
Tom was born in Greenville, NC, the son of the late Elba McGowan Banzet and Frank Broadhurst Banzet. He grew up in Warrenton, NC, where he led a lively childhood playing with friends and getting into typical boyhood mischief. Tom graduated from John Graham High School in Warrenton in 1963, where his mother, a long-time English teacher at the school, kept a watchful eye over him to "keep him in line." Tom was always proud of his eastern North Carolina heritage and stayed fairly close to home for his college days where he attended Barton College in Wilson, NC. After graduating in 1967, Tom spent several months traveling around Europe before coming back to North Carolina to begin his career. The textile industry led Tom to Madison, NC, where he met his wife, of almost 40 years, Pam.
Tom's greatest love was his family. He leaves his wife, Pamela Hughes Banzet, of Stoneville, NC; his oldest daughter, Helen Banzet Wallace, and her husband, Brian Wallace, and his granddaughter Katherine "Kate" McGowan Wallace of Raleigh, NC; his youngest daughter, Kinsey Banzet Fennebresque, and her husband, Billy Fennebresque, of New York, NY. Tom also leaves behind his sister, Lucy Banzet von Heiland, of Colorado Springs, CO.
Tom was an active member in his church, a long-time Sunday school teacher and true mentor to numerous children and their families. Tom was dedicated to making a difference in other people's lives through his volunteer services at Stokes County Guardian Program, a program committed to helping abused children.
One of his favorite places on earth was Pawley's Island, SC where he loved to take long walks on the beach with Pam and the family's Golden Retriever, Maggie. Tom was well known for his distinguished style, savvy on the golf course with his dear friends, and his love of great food and wine. Tom completed a culinary program and became quite the chef. Tom was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, January 7, 2013, at, Madison Presbyterian Church, 204 West Decatur Street in Madison, NC. The family will hold a private burial at Church of the Good Shepherd in Ridgeway, NC.
For those that would like to honor Tom with a memorial, the family suggests Madison Presbyterian Church, 202 Decatur Street, Madison, NC 27025 or Hospice of Rockingham County, 2150 NC Highway 65, Reidsville, NC 27320..
Colonial Funeral Home in Madison is serving the family.
Condolences may be offered at www.colonialfh.net.
