Greensboro- Mr. Earl Henderson Lanning, Jr., 89, died at Wesley Long Community Hospital on August 29th, 2013. Funeral services will be Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 2 PM at First Baptist Church with Dr. Steve Pressley officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the church parlor.
Mr. Lanning was born in Guilford County to the late Mr. & Mrs. Earl H. and Mae Belle Brooks Lanning. He graduated from Greensboro High School and at age 18 entered the US Navy serving as a radioman in the Pacific and Atlantic Theatres from 1942 to 1946. He was honored to serve his country and recently participated in the Flight of Honor for WWII veterans. Following his naval service he attended King’s Business College and after graduating began his banking career at Home Federal Savings & Loan. He gained banking experience by working for various banks in different departments and knowing this was the occupation in which he wanted to continue he graduated from Louisiana State University with a B.A. in banking. Later, along with other partners, he formed Community Bank of the Carolinas. He also had a successful career in real estate and formed his own company NorthWest Realty.
While at King’s Business College he met Lorna V. Pearce and they spent sixty four wonderful years together. In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, Cindy Orr and husband Jimmy of Greensboro, Lorna Leigh Lanning of Greensboro and Earl H. Lanning III and wife Tess of Graham; grandchildren, Josh Lanning, Jackielyn Lanning, Sophie Hammer, Savvy Hammer and Sammy Orr; sisters-in-law, Theona Yates and Connie Wofford both of Raleigh; extended family in Texas; several nieces and nephew; and best friend, William C. (Bill) Smith. He was preceded in death by six siblings.
His philanthropic, church, community, and civic involvement is immeasurable and his accolades, achievements and awards are endless. Earl, however, didn’t do any of these activities or participate in any civic or social clubs for acknowledgement and recognition. He did it because he had a heart for serving others and a willingness to help. He was meticulous and direct but also a very social, charismatic and fun loving man with a zest for life. His business, personal and social activities prove that he was a go-getter. His family will remember his love of the beach, cooking for his family and lovingly spoiling his grandchildren. He didn’t love golf, he lived golf. He was a member of Starmount and Sedgefield Country Clubs and director of Starmount Country Club. He also served as past general chairman of Greater Greensboro Open golf tournament and co-founder and charter member of International Golf Sponsors Association. Other memberships include Greensboro Jaycees (first vice-president), Greensboro Toastmasters (past president), Greensboro Chamber of Commerce (honorary life member), Hamilton Lakes Civitan club (president) and the 100 Club. Mr. Lanning also served in various capacities with the Board of Elections (precinct judge), Central Piedmont Chapter of the March of Dimes, Tuberculosis Association, Parks and Recreation Commission Member, Shriners, and Radio Free Europe. He has been a long time active member at First Baptist Church, serving as past president of the Harry Caldwell Sunday School class, an usher for over fifty years and also was part of the personnel committee. Awards presented to Mr. Lanning include Key Man Award, first person to be awarded two gold telephones by the Chamber of Commerce and leader in total membership sales for two years, and Boss of the Year Award, sponsored by the Greensboro Junior Chamber of commerce in 1962 and 1974. He was a 32 degree Mason and Shriner.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 1000 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro, NC 27401. On line condolences may be made to www. haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com. Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm Chapel is honored to serve the Lanning Family.
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