Dr. Wendell Bannister (Courtesy)

Dr. Wendell Ray Bannister, age 83, of Anderson, SC, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Hartwell Health and Rehabilitation.

Born October 27, 1942, in Anderson County, SC, he was a son of the late Robert Leon Bannister and Rebecca Vanadore Bannister. He was also preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Roger Whitmire and Roy McCoy.

Dr. Bannister was a graduate of Belton High School and served in the National Guard. He went on to earn his Master's Degree and Doctorate of Divinity and Theology from Luther Rice Seminary. He began his ministry at Flat Shoals Baptist Church in Hartwell, GA, followed by Woodfields Baptist Church in Greenwood, SC, and retired after 33 years as a faithful servant of Orrville Baptist Church in Anderson, SC. After retirement, he went back to Hartwell, serving as the interim pastor at both Flat Shoals Baptist Church and Sardis Baptist Church. He was a member of Concord Baptist Church.

Dr. Bannister's ministry mission was to preach the Word with love and compassion. He always had a passion for senior adult ministries and especially enjoyed going to nursing homes to spend time with the residents. He was a pastor's pastor, serving as a mentor and advisor to many pastors throughout the years as well as to many youth and students. He was a faithful servant of the Lord, loved his family, God and the church.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Helen Phillips Bannister; sons, Cam Bannister (Teresa) and Dale Bannister (Christi); brothers, James Bannister (Judy) and Mike Bannister (Tracie); sisters, Shelby Whitmire, Ann Key (Bobby), and Sharon McCoy; grandchildren, Braden Bannister (Kelsie), Caitlyn Bannister (Kate), Jordan Bannister, Ethan Bannister, and Kerigan Bannister; and great grandchildren, Orren and Stetson.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 12:30-1:30 pm at The McDougald Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm in the Chapel with Rev. Chase Stone officiating. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories in Belton.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to AIM, 1202 S Murray Ave, Anderson, SC 29624, or Haven of Rest Ministries, 219 W. Whitner St, Anderson, SC 29624.

Courtesy of Coile and Hall Funeral Directors and Crematory, 333 E. Johnson Street, Hartwell, Ga.