Bernard Eugene Rister

Virgilina, VA - Bernard “Bernie” Eugene Rister, husband of Sandra Smith Rister, passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at the age of 74.He was born in Maumee, Ohio on March 14, 1942 to the late Beatrice Arlene Strayer Rister and the late Bernard Andrew Rister. Mr. Rister retired from the United States Navy, then worked for Leggett’s Department store in Chesapeake. He moved to Virgilina in 1996 and worked at Tractor Supply and Leggett’s in South Boston.Bernie was a member of the South Boston American Legion, a member and former president of the Aarons Creek Ruritan Club, as well as District 8 Zone Governor.He was also a member of Aarons Creek Baptist Church. In addition to his wife, Bernie Rister is survived by his son, Joseph Rister of North Dakota; daughter, Vicki Rister of Everette, WA and sisters, Mary Jo Hendricks, Patricia Rister and Janet Bingham.He was preceded in death by brothers, Dana Rister and Sid Rister. Funeral services for Bernard Rister will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2017 in the chapel of Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home located at 703 Virginia Ave., Clarksville, VA 23927.Burial with military honors will follow the service at Aarons Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.The Reverend Bryan Gough will be officiating.The family will receive friends immediately after committal at Aarons Creek Community House and all other times at the residence. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.wclfh.com.Arrangements are by Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home.