H. Ray Lanier

H. Ray Lanier, 72, husband of Sue Lanier, passed away Thursday evening in Metter, Georgia.

Mr. Lanier was born in Metter to the late J.C. and Juanita Lanier.  He grew up in the Union Community and graduated from Metter High School in 1961.  Mr. Lanier was a graduate of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Horticulture.  He worked as the County Extension Agent for Cobb and Macon counties in the 1970s. In 1980, he moved to Cary, North Carolina and lived in the area for thirty six years.  He was the Regional Chemical Sales Coordinator for E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co. in Cary, North Carolina and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cary.  In the late 1990s he came back to Metter to ensure the security and legacy of the family farm and pecan orchard. Mr. Lanier was the owner and operator of Lanier Pecans and known to many as the “Pecan Man”.  He loved to hunt and fish especially with family. He was always ready with a story and kept people on their toes as they never knew when to expect a prank or two! He had a great knowledge and passion for plants and trees; he could grow almost anything.  His landscaping skills drew many admirers to his beautiful yard. Not only do his pecan trees show a physically rooted legacy but the way he interacted with people instilled a deeply rooted lasting impression.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Lanier was preceded in death by his brother, James Sidney Lanier.

Surviving are his wife Sue Belcher Lanier of Cary, NC; a daughter, Whitney Lanier of Cary, NC; a son and daughter-in-law, Hal and Sarah Lanier of Cumming, GA; grandchildren, Rundle Lanier, Merritt Lanier, and London Lanier all of Cumming, GA; a sister and brother-in-law, June and Bill Rooks of Augusta, GA; a sister-in-law, Elaine Lanier of Montezuma, GA; and a fully loaded family tree of nieces, nephews and cousins and many others he claimed as kin.

Visitation will be Saturday from 6 until 8 o’clock at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel in Metter, GA.

The funeral will be held Sunday, July 24, 2016 at 3 o’clock at El Bethel Baptist Church in Twin City with his cousin, Rev. Max Alderman officiating.

Interment will be Monday in Bulloch Memorial Gardens in Statesboro, GA at 10 o’clock.

A visitation for Ray will be held Saturday, July 30, 2016 from 4 until 7 o'clock in the Dining Hall at the First Baptist Church of Cary, NC, 218 South Academy Street, Cary, NC  27511.

Remembrances: El Bethel Baptist Church, 3972 Highway 80 East, Twin City, GA  30471.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel of Metter is in charge of the arrangements.