George Gene Bannister

George Gene Bannister, age 69 passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023. George was formerly from Florida but moved when his career ended in the U.S. Navy. He followed his naval friend home to Troutville, VA where he called “Ann and Smitty’s” family “home”. George was very grateful to the Smith’s. He had a career as a steal fabricator that ended when he met Mae Langenwalter in 1983 and he went to work for her brother as an electrician at Milton Electrical and Mechanical, of Roanoke, VA. He later worked for Mae’s daughter at Guyer-Roberts Mfg in Rocky Mount as a Maintenance Engineer, and then an exterminator in Roanoke. In 2010, when Mae passed away, he followed the family to Rocky Mount and was later employed by Layman Plumbing and Electrical as an electrician. George suffered as a lost soul for many years, living a hermit life as he never married or had any children of his own. He was estranged from all of his biological siblings who later preceded him except for one sister, Kathy. George later attended Redeeming Life Church, where he could stay in touch with Mae’s children. He enjoyed his time there studying about the Lord. He was cared for by the church, the Laymans and Christopher Riddle; for that he expressed gratitude. George was extremely smart, incredibly strong, a gymnast, loved mathematics and grammar, very artistic and adored his “precious angels” Caedyn and Chloee he saw them as his world as well as his past pets; Imagine and Mutton. He will forever be known as “Geo” or “Dortch” by K-Noodle (Karla), Noodles (Coree), Bubby (Ryan) and his as he lovingly called us. George is finally at peace, reunited with his family. A memorial service will be held at Redeeming Life Church 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 29, 2023 with Pastor Dave Smith officiating; friends will be received an hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Youth Group at Redeeming Life Pentecostal Holiness Church. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.