Henry "Lanny" Landron Hoyal

Lanny was loved by many for his warmth, kindness, easy-going demeanor, love of nature, and genuine interest in others. Family and friends meant the most to him, and he cherished the time he spent with them more than anything. Lanny lived well and loved well, as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Lanny was born on May 25, 1945 in Macon, GA to the late Henry O. Hoyal and Avalene Crews Hoyal. Lanny graduated from Lanier High School in Macon and attended Emory University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Economics and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After graduating from Emory, Lanny enlisted in the United States Navy, where he was stationed in Charleston, SC. and served on a minesweeper in the Mediterranean. Lanny worked in the insurance industry throughout his 42-year career. He joined his father in the Hoyal and Dunwody Insurance Agency which later became Hoyal and Son Insurance, Inc. Lanny later started and ran his own agency, Benefit Planning Associates, until his retirement. Lanny was a member of the Macon Lions Club, and held a number of offices, including President in 1980. He also enjoyed volunteering for the Literary Guild.

Lanny held dear the company of his friends, especially the annual trips he took with the AMFICO Club and to the Satilla River Club. Lanny spent most of his life in Macon, until retirement, when he and his beloved wife, Diane, moved to their favorite place, St. Simons Island. Living in St. Simons allowed him to enjoy some of his favorite activities, like spending time on the beach with his family and friends, cruising in his boat, and birding on the island. He was the consummate outdoorsman and an avid fisherman. He could name almost any fish, bird, snake, rock, and seashell. His greatest joy was bringing together his family for celebrations like the Father Son Fishing Trip, Fourth of July in St. Simons, and many treasured family vacations including Captiva Island, Maine, Hawaii, and Alaska.

Lanny enjoyed an active and fulfilling life up until his recent diagnosis of ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, an unforgiving disease which ultimately took his life.

Lanny is survived by his wife, Diane Carter Hoyal; his daughter, Julie Hoyal Goodman (Joel); his son, Henry Landron Hoyal, Jr. (Bryant); his stepsons Derrick Maddox and Jason Maddox (Marcie); and four grandchildren Benjamin and Ross Goodman and Annabeth and Landron Hoyal. He is also survived by his dear sisters Yvonne Hoyal Hollingsworth and Myrna Hoyal Coleman, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved Ziggy and Zoe.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Village Creek Landing on St. Simons on Sunday, April 25 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Satilla River Club, P.O. Box 26485, Macon, GA 31211 or Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525.