Phillip Nolan Bannister

Banister-Cooper Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces the passing of Dr. Phillip Nolan Bannister of Hayesville, NC after a long illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Powell and Eddye Bannister, and his brother, Dr. James P. Bannister.

He is survived by his sisters, Jackie Bannister and Rochelle Schneickert; his son, Stephen; niece, Julie Bertils; nephews Greg Bertils, Brian and Kevin Schneickert; his nurse and caregiver, Paul Schroeder; and lastly, a ten-year friendship with a homeless waif he adopted, a poodle named Marshmallow.

Dr. Bannister was educated at Forsyth County Public Schools, North Georgia College, the Medical College of Georgia and Letterman Army Medical Center. He was a Fellow of the American College of OB/GYN. He practiced medicine for over thirty years in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He delivered over 3,000 babies during his time in practice. He was President of the Gwinnett-Forsyth Medical Society for four years. He served for ten years on the Board of Directors of the Medical Association of Georgia and for ten years as a member of the Committee of Public Health.

Dr. Bannister was an amateur historian and enjoyed War Between the States reenacting from Gettysburg to Vicksburg and from Perryville to Atlanta. Dr. Bannister shouldered his musket and put on his grey uniform. He was also known to practice battlefield medicine when needed.

Dr. Bannister was a member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Hayesville, NC.

There are no scheduled services at this time. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Good Shepherd, local animal shelters, and local heritage organizations.