I met Buzz -as I know him- (I mean that with great respect) when I first came to work for the Work Activity Center, Inc. for developmentally disabled adults in 2010 as their director.   He totally surprised me one day when he called the office and asked "how things were going."   I had no idea that he was about to drop off a donation check to the work center on behalf of the Parnam Foundation.   When I met Buzz for the first time, I was so impressed with him.  We all just loved him and his kind manner.   I used to encourage him to drop by the work center just for a visit because I loved talking about our Lord with him.  He was an inspiration to all of my staff.    My heart goes out to the family, and though we will miss him terribly, I'm so glad he is with the "maker" he loved so much.    I wish I could have met Mrs. Lanier.  I can tell you for sure that he loved you.           In Christ, Beverly Young

Buzz Lanier always greeted me and the thousands who walked through the doors of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church with a smile and approach that let you know that he was very glad to see you. My memories of Buzz are so rich that I can't think of my 12 years as pastor of Chapel Hill without thinking of Buzz and his cohort of ushers. Buzz organized the men who ushered each Sunday for years. When I first arrived as pastor the Business Manager, Wiley Walker, advised me to always stay on the good side of the ushers bevause those men had the heart and soul of the church in their hands. It was never hard to stay on their good side because Buzz kept them always focused on hospitality. I know that he will be joining those other ushers who have gone before him to hold the doors of heaven.  We thank God for the life, love, and friendship of Buzz.

   We are saddened to hear of Uncle J.W.  passing into the Lord Jesus's presence.   He now has a home built  by the Lord for our uncle  and all who believe the Living Word.  So many good memories have come to mind, perhaps sharing a few is appropriate:
   -When I was three or so and we lived on the Shawnee Lake Road,  just past the Sinclair Pump Station along the slew curve.  One night our dog died after being hit  by a car. Uncle Buzz lived with us at the time (he must have been 17 or 18 at the time, perhaps finishing high school at Bethel.  He helped us grieve for our pet (outdoor in the garage back of the house).  It was fantastic to have my dad (Roy), Billy Wayne, and Buster as strong support.
   -Growing up Uncle "Bus" was special because he played Tennis.  Basketball, baseball, and a little football were all we knew. But tennis was new and it provided individual and family time with not only an uncle but also an older "young" person.  At a much younger age it was very important to have such a role model.
   -Around the time I was a student at OBU I drove Grandma Lanier (Hattie Ola McRee Lanier) up to visit with Buzz and Donna in Pueblo, Colorado. To say the trip from Shawnee to Pueblo was eventful is an understatement. My  Volkswagen Beetle was new to both of us.  (Back in the day the distance was thought to be about 600 miles but now it is said to be a little over 500.)  The trip went fairly well as we got past OKC and western Oklahoma but then we got a little weather, road construction, etc.  At one point in SE Colorado construction required that we go up and over one lane to the other. Grandma did not let go of my arm until I said we were in Pueblo (after nearly 12 hours on the road). Buzz and Donna were happy to see that Grandma was safe! 
   Thank you, Lord God, that you gave us Uncle Buzz who was faithful to you, to his dear wife,  and to his children and grandchildren.

OBITUARY

J.W. Lanier Jr.

15 August, 1926 – 27 February, 2018

Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery

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