J.W. “Buzz” Lanier, Jr., 91, retired banker, passed away on February 27, 2018 at Integris Hospice House. Buzz was born on August 15, 1926 to James William “Jim” Lanier and Hattie Ola McCree Lanier in Shawnee, OK; the youngest of ten children. He graduated from Bethel High School in 1944 and enlisted in the Navy shortly thereafter, serving on the U.S.S. Duplin and continuing his education at OBU after his military service.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Hattie; brothers, James Austin, Roy, Dallas, Lester, Donald, Leon, and Harold; sisters, Lorene and Ruby Lee; as well as eight sisters-in-law, four brothers-in-law, three nephews and one niece.
Buzz is survived by his wife of 63 years, Donna Printz Lanier formerly of Pueblo, Colorado; his daughter, Leslie Lanier Bilbrey (Gary), Oklahoma City, OK; son, James Steven Lanier (Teresa), Edmond, OK; granddaughter, Amanda Bilbrey Fortney (Justin), Guthrie, OK; grandsons, James Cory Lanier (Erica Lee), Los Angeles, CA; Zachary Lanier (Madeline Alford), Brooklyn, NY; his great-grandson, Eli Fortney; and a soon to be born great-granddaughter, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
His Memorial Service will be held Friday, March 2, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 2717 W. Hefner Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73120. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church Endowment Fund.