Franklin – William Chapman "Bill" Bannester, Sr., 82, passed away April 25, 2021 in his home with family by his side.  Born in Jacksonville, FL, he was the son of the late Clyde Douglas Bannester and Mary Chapman Bannester.  Bill was also predeceased by a sister, Dorothy Nappi and a brother, Douglas Bannester, Sr.

Bill was a 1957 graduate of Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, VA.  He was an Army Veteran and a crane operator for Union Camp Corporation for 29 years.  Bill was a member of the Franklin Masonic Lodge #151 AF & AM and the Hunterdate Ruritan Club.  He was also a member of Courtland Baptist Church.

Bill was an avid reader and animal lover.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  Because of his kind and jovial personality, he never met a stranger.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years, Lucille Williams Bannester; two daughters, Lori B. Milteer (Doug) of Boykins and Katherine B. "Kassy" Brannstrom (Kevin) of Memphis, TN; a son William Chapman "Billy" Bannester, Jr. of Virginia Beach; four grandchildren, Justin Michael Noia (Jessica), Nicole Noia Council (Ryan), Austin William Brannstrom, and Sydney Elizabeth Brannstrom; and two great grandchildren, Skylar Elizabeth Carr and Cohen Joseph Council.

A Funeral Service will be held at 3pm Monday, May 3, 2021 at Wright Funeral Home with Pastor David Dillon officiating.  The family will receive friends at 2pm, prior to the service, in the funeral home.  Burial with Military Honors will follow at Poplar Spring Cemetery off of Homestead Rd.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org