Samuel T. "Sam" Bannister

Samuel T. 'Sam' Bannister, 67, of Cross Hill, SC, died Thursday, November 24, 2016 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood, SC. He was born in Abbeville to Murrell Prince Bannister and the late Fred T. Bannister, of Abbeville, SC. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Terry L. Bannister and his daughter, Brandy Anna Margaret Bannister Drawdy. Sam was a 1967 graduate of Dixie High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corp. After 33 years of dedicated service, he retired as a truck driver with Milliken & Co. in Clinton. Sam loved his family and friends and was happy when spending time with them. He was a member of Upper Long Cane Presbyterian Church. Sam is survived by his loving companion of 16 years, Karen Gillespie of Cross Hill; his mother, Murrell Bannister of Abbeville; a son, Joseph Daniel Bannister of Greenwood; a sister, Patti A. Bannister of Norcross, GA; a sister-in-law, Carolyn F. Bannister of Jacksonville, FL; three grandchildren, Kaine Bannister and his wife Kelsey, Kenneth Drawdy and Kaylee Bannister; a great-grandson, Oliver Kai Bannister. The family will receive friends from 4:00PM to 6:00PM Saturday, November 26, 2016 at Harris Funeral Home. Funeral service will begin at 2:00PM Sunday, November 27, 2016 in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Dr. John Keith officiating. Burial will follow in Long Cane Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Sam, may be sent to a charity of one's choice. The families are at their respective homes. A message of condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Abbeville is assisting the Bannister family.