Richard Carl “Papa” Bannister, 85, of Prosperity, passed away on Wednesday January 7, 2026, at MUSC Columbia.

Born on October 17, 1940, he was a son of the late Howard Lee Bannister, Sr. and Frankie Limbaugh Bannister. Papa retired from Flour Daniel as a superintendent welding inspector and as an entrepreneur operated Lake Murray Steel Inspections. He was a former member of the Shriner’s.

He was a talented individual who put his talents to work on many projects around his home and was always looking forward to his next project. For at least forty-three years he had cherished residing by the beautiful Lake Murray.

Papa found great joy in opening his home for all types of celebrations. Hosting a party brought him great pleasure.

Papa was a genuine Carolina Gamecock fan and was always cheering them on and looking forward to the next season and what it would bring.

Papa is survived by his wife, Tessie Buhawe Bannister; a son, Jimmy (Cheri) Bannister of Tuttle, OK; daughters, Debbie (Gil) Thomas of Newberry and Millie Laster of Columbia; a brother, Steve (Kathy) Bannister of Blythewood; grandchildren, Gilbert (Lacey) Thomas II of Lafayette, LA, Kristen (Mitch) Neal of Anderson, Karen (Christian) Ouzts of Saluda, Ashley (Julian) Hamilton of Prosperity, Charlie (Lauren) Thomas of Amhurst, VA, Kevin Laster, Caroline Laster, Timmy (Ely) Prince, David (Lindsey) Bradwell, Alyson (Steve) Craig and Leigha (Tyler) Marion; a number of great-grandchildren and canine children, BJ, Danny, Gucci, Chase, Prosper and Poppy Kay. He was also looking forward to the birth of baby Ouzts in June, his great great-grandchild.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Janice "Jan" Bannister, daughters, Jamie Ward and Ginger Bradwell, grandsons, Ben Thomas and Larry Prince, brothers, Howard Bannister, Adolph Bannister and Bobby Bannister and a sister, Patsy Newman.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at his home at 74 Ash Cove, Prosperity, with the service at 3:30 pm followed by a party. The family requests that those attending not wear black.

Memorials may be made to FAAGC, PO Box 24112, Columbia, SC 29224.