Alvin "Al" Durrell Bannister Sr.

July 23, 1939 – December 14, 2022

Al passed away on December 14, 2022 after a difficult battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents (Ben and Ellen), a sister-in-law (Geraldine) and two brothers, Gerald Banister (Carolyn) of Starr, SC, and Rex Bannister (Jeannie) of Kinston, NC. He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Wanda, his son Al, Jr. (Regina) of New Bern, NC, his daughter Lisa of Roanoke, VA, three brothers Harold Banister (Louise) of Atlanta, GA, Ray Banister (Ruby Lee) of Greer, SC, Doyle Bannister (Linda) of Anderson, SC, and sisters-in-law Carolyn Banister, Jeannie Bannister, and Linda Dixon (Ronnie). In addition, Al had the greatest nieces and nephews in the world and he valued every minute he was with them, either by telephone or in person.

Al was born July 23, 1939 in Belton, SC to Ben and Ellen Bannister. He grew up sweeping the floors of cotton mills, driving fast, and finding mischief around every corner. He served in the Navy and was deployed during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He moved to New Bern in 1971 to work for Texfi Industries, where he met the love of his life. He had various jobs before incorporating his own business, Ultra Precision Machining, in 1983. A lifelong learner and true Renaissance Man, Al was also a licensed boat captain, real estate broker, and contractor.

Al became a Mason in the 1980s and he was active with the York Rite until he became ill. He loved all his Masonic brothers and frequently talked about the time he spent with them. He participated in various Shrine groups and was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, as well.

The family would like to thank 3HC Hospice, Drs. Cho and Grady, and all the incredible Carolina East staff they encountered during Al’s treatment. They would also like to acknowledge very special friends Russell Warren, Robin Wright, and Bill Bento, without whom the last several months would have been far more difficult. He was adopted by Emily and Ethan Harrell of Roanoke, VA who made him a grandfather of sorts.

In support of Al’s love of animals and education, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Craven County SPCA or the Roanoke Public Library Foundation (rplfoundation.com).

A Lakeside Chapel Service will be held on Monday, December 19, 2022 at 2:00pm with military honors and masonic rites in Greenleaf Memorial Park Cemetery.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Al Bannister.