Paul Russell Banister, age 52, of Hamilton, AL passed away on October 26, 2026. He was born on October 15, 1974, in Geneva, AL to Gary Banister and Trudy Beaver.
Rusty will be remembered as a loving husband and devoted father who deeply loved his wife, Brooke, and his sons, Jackson and Braden. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether tinkering in his garden, relaxing on his back porch, or, most importantly, spending precious time with his family. His love for his family was evident in the way her cherished them, and the memories they shared will forever hold a special place in their hearts.
Rusty also passed his love of Alabama football down to his sons. He served as a student football manager at the University of Alabama under Coach Gene Stallings, a role that became a special part of his life. Both Jackson and Braden followed in their fathers footsteps, serving as student football managers themselves and continuing a family tradition that meant so much to Rusty.
Rusty is survived by his wife, Brooke Jackson Banister; his sons, Jackson and Braden Banister. His mother, Trudy (Jim) Beaver and his step-mother, Fran Banister. His sister, Rachel Nicole Banister, and his nephew, Isaiah Banister. His aunt , Paula (Hal) Miller. His in-laws, Bravell and Brenda Jackson, and sister-in-law, Benja Jackson. He also leaves behind a host of cousins, other family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gary Banister, and his grandparents, Paul and Virginia Banister, and grandmother, Regina Cochran.
A private service was held on Thursday, October, 29, 2026, at Hamilton First Baptist Church, with Bro. Jeremy Sorrells officiating with burial in the Burnsville Cemetery and Hamilton Funeral Home persiding.
Honorary Pallbearers: John David McCracken, Elijah Johnson, Matt Croft, Brodie Devaney, Lee Harvin, Mark Welsh, and Collin Jackson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Rusty’s name be made to Yea Alabama. Checks can be sent to P.O Box 20708; Tuscaloosa, AL 35402 with the memo Banister Memorial Fund. Donations can also be sent via Venmo @yea-alabama with the same memo line
