Ernest Clain Bannister, 89, of Fayetteville, died July 8, 2011.

He was born August 10, 1921 in Pickens County, Georgia, the fifth son of the late Rufus and Ida Bannister.

He was preceded in death by first wife Rosalene Fletcher Bannister; parents; four brothers, Broughton, Alman, Linc and Rex Bannister.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Joyce Tate Bannister; brother-in-law Bill Tate of Sharpsburg, GA; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Janice and Joe Lynch of Fayetteville; numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Ernie and Joyce retired and moved to Fayette County in 1988. He retired from his accounting business in Smyrna, GA where he still has many friends and associates. After retiring and moving to Woolsey, he spent many happy hours on his John Deere tractor working in his yard and garden, sharing the fruits of his labors with friends and neighbors.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, July 11, 2011 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Mowell Funeral Home, Fayetteville with Reverend Chuck Chambers, Reverend Clay Edge and Reverend Steven Chambers officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the funeral home.

He is a member of the Woolsey Baptist Church, and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Woolsey Baptist Church, 115 Hampton Rd., Fayetteville, GA 30215.

The family appreciates the love and compassion shown by the Hospice Advantage staff and caregivers Pam Harris and Donnie and Michelle Patton and family during Ernie’s illness, as well as the Young at Heart Sunday school class of Woolsey Baptist Church.

Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Fayetteville – www.mowellfuneralhome.com