Ted Kojiro Bannai was born in , California on November 3, 1934. The 5th and youngest child of Japanese-American immigrants Sakui (Sam) and Shino Bannai, Ted was the adored by his family. At the age of 8 years old he was relocated from the family home to Manzanar War Relocation Center where he stayed by his mother’s side as his siblings and father worked in various roles for the American war efforts.

On November 11, 1954 his parents life-long dream of becoming American citizens was finally celebrated. 

Ted attended college in California obtaining an Associate Degree with a focus in Psychology and relocated to Dallas, Texas where he met the love of his life Shirlee. They were married November 3, 1972 and lived 38 wonderful years together in Mesquite, Texas until his love passed away in July, 2020. Ted followed Shirlee to the afterlife, passing on peacefully June 1, 2024.

Ted enjoyed a successful career with Sanger-Harris where he discovered his love of photography and founded Cameras By Bannai. For years Ted was known as “the camera man” in North Texas building many lifelong relationships such as with his dear friend Greg Hall.

Together, Ted and Shirlee built a loving home and family. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Paul, Rose, Sharlen and Lilian, stepson Cecil, son-in-law Gary, niece Jadeen and grandson Shawn.

“Papa” Ted is survived by daughter Cindy, stepson David and wife Tracy; grandchildren Amy, April, Christopher, Ashley and Haley; great-grandchildren Clayton, Ashlyn, Sarah, Kaitlynn, Jager, Knox, Ethan, Indie, and Maisie; and great-great-grandson Maddox as well as numerous nieces and nephews including Lori, Don, Mike, Amy and many others. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.