Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Vondel Bannister, 52, of Glen Jean died Thursday, September 22, 2016.

Born March 23, 1964, he was the son of Robert ôBobbyö and Flora Smith of Glen Jean, WV and the late Lee Andrew Bannister.

Vondel attended Oakville School in Harlem Heights and FMRS Center in Fayetteville, WV; was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church Glen Jean, WV, Baptist Quartet Convention, Fayette County Special Olympics; he was an avid WWE fan, with John Cena as a favorite and a champaign bowler.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Louise Gilbert and Alice Ward.

Vondel was a very humble and kind individual who touched the lives of everyone he encountered.

Those left to cherish precious memories are his brothers, Thomas (Mary) Loving of Chester, VA, Walter Bannister of Conyers, GA, Robert (Megan) Smith of Texas City, TX.; sisters, Flora (Keith) Jones of Chester, VA, Michelle Bibbs of Chester, VA, Darlene Smith of Texas City, TX; best friend, Phillip Ward; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 1:00 P.M. Thursday, September 29, 2016, at First Missionary Baptist Church Glen Jean, 469 Collins Hill Road with Rev. Eugene Nabors officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church.

Condolences may be emailed to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie and Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.