He proudly served in the U.S. Marines Clifford Leon (C.L.) Bannister, Wasola, passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2007, in the home of his daughter in Maysville. Clifford was born on May 12, 1932, in Myrtle, Miss., the son of Jim and Dessie Lee (Staks) Bannister.
On April 24, 1950 Clifford was united in marriage with Emily Phillips at Humble, Texas, and to this union four children were born.
Clifford answered the call of his country and proudly served in the U.S. Marines. Later he worked in the tool and die industry. He retired after 20 years as a machine shop supervisor and an instructor for oil company equipment. He took great pride in his work.
Clifford also enjoyed spending time with his family and was devoted to his grandchildren. He had never met a stranger and was truly a good friend and neighbor. He was always ready for a game of cards or pool.
Preceding Clifford in death were his parents, Jim and Dessie Lee, his wife, Emily, and one daughter, Phyllis. He was also preceded in death by a brother, John Bannister.
Clifford is survived by two sons, Charles Leon Bannister and his wife, Kay, of Springfield, and Keith Bannister and his wife, Donna, of Mansfield; one daughter, Trena Levonne Bennett, of Maysville; two grandchildren, Synthia Ann Bannister Bishop and Summer Leann Bannister; three brothers, Jimmy Bannister, Sammy Banister, and Joe Bannister; two sisters, Virginia Melton and Mary Ann Adams; and a host of other family members and friends.
Funeral services were conducted in the Ava Family Funeral Home at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 28, with burial following in the Sims Cemetery near Gainesville. The family has requested in lieu of flowers that memorial gifts be made to the Comfort Care Hospice.
