Lanier Perry

Lanier Perry, age 82, of McDonough, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home on August 17, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 4, 1941, in Atlanta, Georgia, he was the son of the late James Heslup Perry and Marion Neal Gleeson Perry. In addition to his parents, Lanier was preceded in death by his beloved wife of forty-nine years, Betty Ann Taylor Perry, his brothers, Gary Perry and Ronald Perry and his grandson, Andrew Perry.

Lanier is survived by his children: Derrill (Joni) Perry, Danny Perry, Deborah (Sean) Ross, and Joy (Ken) Johns; his 12 grandchildren: Autumn (Cameron) Lovett, Ashlyn (Scott) Benton, Allie Perry, Aaron Perry, Nicole (Heath) Hawkins, Jordan (Gregory) Berkes, Bradley (Marjolein) Perry, Ryan (Karli) Ross, Brooklyn Ross, Brayden Ross, Amanda (Ben) Swirsky, and Daniel Johns; and 14 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sister, Glenda (Mike) Brandt, as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a host of friends and church family who will miss him dearly.

After graduating from Lithonia High School in 1959, Lanier embarked on a successful career with the Chrysler Corporation. He began as a mechanic at Lander Motors before advancing to the position of service manager at Wagstaff Dodge, where he met Betty. Lanier had a remarkable talent for mechanics, with a reputation for being able to fix any car. His grandchildren often turned to him with their automotive issues, confident that he could diagnose a problem simply from the description of a sound. Known for his exceptional customer service and leadership, Lanier managed several service departments in metro Atlanta dealerships and even owned his own repair shop before retiring. In his later years, Lanier and Betty enjoyed delivering cars up and down the East Coast for Classic Cadillac Atlanta.

A passionate restorer of antique Dodge and Chrysler antique cars, Lanier was also a devoted NASCAR enthusiast. He attended races at many tracks, with Bristol and Daytona holding a special place in his heart. This passion was shared with his brother, Ronald, and many friends he met at car shows, NASCAR races, and NHRA drag races.

Lanier was a kind and gentle man who never met a stranger. He was known for his wisdom, wit, and storytelling ability, captivating listeners of all ages with tales that brought laughter and joy. His vast knowledge of Georgia’s highways and streets meant that GPS was unnecessary when he was around. Lanier cherished simple pleasures, whether it was fishing, attending car shows, hunting, golfing, going to church, or spending time with friends. At home, he could often be found tinkering with his cars, tending to his vegetable garden, feeding the birds, or fixing things around the house.

His great-grandfather, James MacDaniel Perry, and his father, James, were ministers/pastors, starting in the Methodist tradition before later embracing Pentecostal beliefs. They passed down a strong foundation of faith and a commitment to service to Lanier, who carried those values throughout his life. Lanier was known for his unwavering faith, and he taught his own children the importance of trust in God, perseverance through hardships, and the power of prayer. Whether he was sitting in a church pew, working in his garden, or simply spending time with his family, his faith was always at the center of his life. Lanier’s legacy of love, integrity, and faith continues to live on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who strive to uphold the principles he held dear.

Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to Glen Haven Baptist Church, New Building Fund.