On April 8, 2018, Phillip Craig Bannister Sr. left this earth very suddenly and unexpectedly.

Phillip loved life, family and friends. He was a talented artist, athlete, mentor, counselor and cook.

Phillip was known as "daddy," "uncle," "brother" by neighborhood children, family and friends. He regularly bought meals for and gave money to the homeless and also rescued and cared for animals. Phillip had a huge heart for all living things.

He lived to enjoy each day and loved to make others laugh and smile. He would always say, "Enjoy yourself, don't cheat yourself of anything, don't ever do that."

Phillip leaves behind Joan, his wife of 29 years; children, Phillip Jr., Tanesha, Sherlonda Natasha and Juanakeye; grandchildren, Keelan and Ariana; brothers and sisters, Cheryl, Rodney, Randall, Michael, Gwen, Samuel and Diane; one aunt, Myrtle King; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be conducted on June 23 at 1 p.m. at Lexington Pentecostal Holiness Church, 408 Houston St., by the Rev. George Close.

Condolences may be sent to Phillip Bannister Jr., 1159 East 65th Street, Apartment B, Inglewood, CA 90302, (540) 560-7543.