Rev. Gerald Elliott Lanier, age 79, of 13291 Hwy 601 S, Midland NC 28107 passed away on Monday, February 22nd, 2010 at his home. His family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 PM at Stanly Funeral Home, Albemarle and Wednesday from 12 Noon until 1 PM at First Baptist Church of Indian Trail just prior to the funeral service. Rev. Jonathan Barbee, Rev. Mike Whitson, Rev. Danny Myers, and Dr. Maurice Henson will officiate and burial will be in First Baptist Church Cemetery in Locust, NC.
Rev. Lanier answered the call in ministry in 1946 and was ordained August 19, 1956. He pastored Oakland Heights Baptist Church, Salisbury; Dunn's Grove Baptist, Albemarle; First Baptist, Midland; Friendly Baptist Church, Monroe; Wadeville Baptist, Wadeville; and served as Interim Pastor at Kinza Memorial Baptist Church in Stanfield and Cottonville Baptist Church in Norwood. He also worked part-time for Stanly Funeral Home for five years. He was a loving father, grandfather, pastor, and friend. He loved his family and loved preaching God's Word. "If you want to make a difference for the Kingdom, you must love people” was his motto in life. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Indian Trail, NC and was educated at Fruitland Bible College.
Born May 13, 1930 in Randolph County, NC, he was the son of the late Herbert Wade Lanier and Sula Elliott Lanier. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Magilene Daniel Lanier; two daughters: Ms. Geraldine Lanier and Mrs. Janet Kay Lanier McKnight; two brothers: Jack Lanier and Richard Lanier; two sisters: Alma Lee Frye and Betty Ann Russell; five grandchildren of whom he was so proud: Amy Whitley, Chad VonCannon, Mika Edwards, Judith Downs, and Jonathan Barbee; and twelve great-grandchildren.
A special sister-in-law, Juanita Weaver; neice, Lynn Garner;
great-grandaughter, Maeghan Edwards; two sisters, Evelyn Gallimore and Wanda Faye Lanier; and a brother, Malcolm Lanier, preceded him in death.
Memorials may be made to:
Maeghan and Heidi Heart Foundation
PO Box 273
Indian Trial, NC 28079
~or~
Metrolina Christian Academy Financial Aid Fund
PO Box 1460
Indian Trail, NC 28079
