WILLA DEAN MILLER

Willa Dean Miller, 70, of Connelly Springs, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009. Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at 11 a.m. in the Bass-Smith Granite Chapel. Burial will follow in Center Grove Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, at Bass-Smith Granite from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

CAMERON BANKER JR.

Mr. Banker, 85, of Charlotte, N.C., passed away Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, at the Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, N.C.

Cameron "Cam" Octo Banker, Jr. was born in Charlotte on April 18, 1924, to the late Cameron O. Banker Sr. and Eunice Penninger Banker. At the age of 2, he moved to the family property on Tom Hunter Road, where he grew up and continued to reside with his wife, Evelyn, throughout his life. Cam attended Derita High School. When the United States entered World War II, he was drafted into the Army, was sworn in on May 22, 1943, (his wedding day), served in France, Germany and England with the U.S. Army 240th QMC of General Patton's 3rd Army and was honorably discharged with the rank of master sergeant on March 10, 1946.

Cam retired from Airco Welding Supply. During his retirement years, he enjoyed many hobbies, including woodworking, gardening and fishing with his friends at the beach. Most of all, he enjoyed his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and walks with his little dog, Tippy. Cam enjoyed participating in community activities though his memberships in the Derita Lions Club and the American Legion, Post #345. He also served for 25 years in the Derita Volunteer Fire Department. He loved the Lord, and he loved his church. As a lifelong member of Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church, he served as a deacon, elder, treasurer and cemetery committee member.

Mr. Banker is survived by his wife of 66 years, Evelyn Helms Banker; son, Michael R. Banker and his wife Anne; daughters, Dianne B. Spicer and her husband Barry, and Robin B. Miracle and her husband Gene; grandchildren, Christie B. Hoagland and her husband Brian, Stephen Banker and his wife Torrie, Julie Banker and her fianc