Joseph Clayton Bannister, the son of the late Thomas Earl and Callie Mae Bannister, departed this Earth on December 31, 2025 at his home. He had been a resident of Panama City, Florida since 1953. Born to a USAF Sgt Major while in Guam. Those who met Joe would agree he was a kind, funny and cantankerous man. A daddy figure to many of his children’s friends. He loved to win a debate on the silliest of subjects and he won, always right to the very last word!

Joe attended all his schooling here in Bay County, Florida from Lynn Haven to Panama City’s Bay High School Class of 1971, several years at Gulf Coast College. His life revolved around raising his three strong willed children and working his tail off for 19 years at the Sheraton Miracle Mile Resort, Panama City Beach. As a manager, community consultant, etc., he enjoyed starting up the trade show for Hotels/ Motels and restaurants during his time at MMR.

His career choice then took him to work for the Bay County Commissioner as a Supervisor in Roads and Bridges, all the way to the East Side of Bay County. He believed in hard work followed Guy Pettis’ high standards for work protocol.

Joe enjoyed working behind the scenes. He preferred to be out of the limelight. Working with bands and stage productions security for MMR resort, hurricane emergencies and preparedness, and any where he was needed.

In his leisure time, Joe was a smoker and a do-it-yourself, DIY perfectionist, get it right, so it doesn’t fall down. He also enjoyed old cars, especially that old orange Maverick! And professional wrestling. He was a dog lover and his best buddy, Paco Bell will be there to greet him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Vivian; his son, Richard; daughters, Krista (Kenyon) Gandy and Amanda (Kevin Murphy) Bannister of Panama City and two proudly cherished granddaughters, Krystin Gandy of Pensacola and Paislee Morgan of Panama City.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, along with his brother, Thomas Earl Bannister Jr.

We, the family, believe Joe and Earl will find many new adventures to get up to in the after life and hope their late cousin, Ronnie Childs, can join in on the good times.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10 am in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Michael Bryant officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Memorial Gardens.