Larry Edmund Bannister

Larry Edmund Bannister II was born December 6, 1960, to Russell V Bannister Sr and Anna Elizabeth Bannister. Brother to Jimmy, Stephanie and Russell. Larry’s extended family included Michell & Sydney Johnson, Michael Baldwin and Ariell Lawrence. Larry attended Woodward High School and was a self-proclaimed ruler of the Universe! He was uncle and driving coach to Kennedy Heights, and an inspiration to many. His life was a testament to the underdog, and those that were told they can’t. He was loved by many, understood by few, but respected by all.

Larry was a skilled upholsterer and worked many years in his father’s and sister’s upholstery shop. Many knew Larry by hitting the corner with the “knob” in his red Camaro! He had a brilliant mind and will ever be known for doing things “HIS WAY”.

Though his journey began with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy and a prognosis that he would never adjust to ‘normal’ society, he refused to accept that fate. He walked when they said he couldn’t, drove when they said he wouldn’t, and became a support to everyone he met. He was a ‘stubborn mule’ in the best possible way, too smart for his own good and far too determined to be sidelined. In his memory, he asked us to commemorate his life with greenery and a good story. As he famously loved to remind us, ‘The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits.’ He, however, remained limitless until the very end.

Larry was preceded in death by his mother and father Anna and Russell Bannister, Sr and his siblings: Stephanie Bannister Williams, and Russell Bannister, II, and nephew Clem Turner III.

He leaves to celebrate his memory: sibling James W. Bannister, Sr. His nieces Cheryl Marshall, Marlo Thigpen (Darren), Erin Turner and Donica Evans. His nephews: James Bannister II (Trina), Michael Bannister (Pamela), Russell Bannister III, Alexander Bannister (Joy), and Kevin Bannister. Grandchildren: Alexander Bannister, Brittney Bannister, Marquis White, Kevin D Bannister, Martez White, and Dont’e Harris Jr. Great nieces: Nichelle Marshall, Kaya Allen, Breyanne Bannister, Elaina Allen, Layla Davis. Great nephews: Nathaniel Bannister, Marlow Turner, Michael Bannister, Darren Thigpen II, Carlos Davis II, and Max Davis. Great grandnephews: Milo and A’Zuri White, and Marlow Ezekiel Nehemiah Turner Jr. Great grandnieces: Genesis Allen Dodd, Avayah and Arlauna Turner. Nubia Jackson, and Blessings Unique Borders.

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