Bill Burton Banias, III, Ph.D.

Bill Burton Banias, III, Ph.D., age 76, passed away July 30, 2024. He was born at Clark Field, in the Philippines, on May 28, 1948, the son of the late Bill and Bernadine Banias.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill is survived by his brother, Bruce (Patricia) Banias; nieces, Heather Moore, Ashley McCoy; and his nephew, Bradley Banias.

It is with a great sadness that we share the passing of Bill B. Banias III, also known as Swami Ramadeva; after his time at the Citadel, he spent four years in service to his country in the United States Air Force. He then followed his wanderlust and traveled the world. He ended up in San Francisco, where he earned a PhD in Transpersonal Psychology. He counseled and touched the lives of thousands around the world. In India, he became a follower of the Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho). He serviced the Bhagwan in Pune, India and in Antelope, Oregon. He continued to stay in touch with his friends who were also in Sanyassans. 

He finally retired in Guatemala, where he continued to teach and counsel many people. We didn't see much of Bill, except for a visit every four to five years. Two years ago, he called his brother, Bruce and said he was having medical issues and Bruce convinced him to come Dayton for medical care. We were able to get him the best care available for his diagnosis, through many of my physician friends (Especially Dr. R. Calvo). Unfortunately, he lost his fight on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

May he rest in peace. He is out of physical pain which so racked his body for the last three months. He will be interred at the VA cemetery in Dayton on a date to yet be determined. 

To share a memory of Bill or leave a special message for his family, please click visit the Guestbook below.