J.W. Lanier

J.W. Lanier, 80, of Middleton, passed from this life Thurs.,  September 20, 2023, at Christian Care Center in Bolivar.

The husband of Patty Rich Lanier, who survives, he retired from management with Thyssen-Krupp in 2004.  He was born Monday, October 5, 1942, in the Rogers Springs community, son of the late Newt G. and Lillian Porter Lanier, living most of his life in Hardeman County except for a short time in Jackson, MS.  He was a 1994 graduate from Lambuth University in Jackson, majoring in Industrial Management.  He served in the US Navy from 1961-1963 and was an airplane mechanic while stationed at Midway Island.  He loved the Memphis  State Tigers and enjoyed working on his farm, traveling and watching basketball.  Other interests he had were going to concerts, playing golf and fixing just about anything.  He was heavily involved in Middleton First Baptist Church, serving as a deacon for over 50 years, and deeply loved going to church and church gatherings.  Most people knew he was a 'homebody' and loved life, and being around his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, whom he married on May 1, 1964, survivors include a daughter, Lisa Donahue (Andy) of Arlington; three sons, Rodney Lanier (Lori), Gary Lanier (Tommie Lyn) and Brad Lanier (Lisa), all of Middleton; two sisters, Peggy Sutherland of Vardaman, MS and Brenda O'Neal of Germantown, TN; two brothers, Kenneth Lanier (Elizabeth) and Max Lanier (Patti), both of Middleton; 12 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Lanier in 2020 and two brother-in-laws, Richard O'Neal in 2021 and Ray Sutherland in 2018.  Memorial contributions in his name may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate).