Dr. Lanze Jeffrey Thompson Sr.

Corporate Finance and Education Executive, Lanze Jeffrey Thompson Sr. (62), passed away peacefully at his home in Powder Springs, Georgia on March 14, 2024 after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. Lanze was born on February 2, 1962 in Boston, Massachusetts to the late Anderson Jones Jr. and the late Michele Thompson (his first love). He was the second of Michele’s six children and the first of Anderson’s five children.

As a child of the Boston housing projects, Lanze possessed a tenacious spirit which propelled him to excel against all odds. He had a strong, life-long affinity to Lions as they represented power, courage, strength, and fearlessness. These characteristics carried him through life. As the valedictorian of his high school class, not only did Lanze excel in the classroom, he was also an outstanding athlete. Lanze received numerous sports scholarships but chose an academic trajectory by accepting an academic scholarship to Colby College where he graduated with a BA in Economics. He received his MBA from Boston College and went on to earn his Doctorate in Business from Pace University with concentrations in Global Marketing Strategy and International Business – graduating first in his class.

Lanze had over 35 years of executive leadership at Fortune 100 companies such as Ford Motor Company, Kraft Food/Phillip Morris, Alcoa, Con Edison, PSEG, and Time Warner/CNN, with oversight for both national and international operations ranging across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America, Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa. But it was his contributions in higher education at Kennesaw State University and as CFO at Clark Atlanta University that brought him the most fulfillment. Most recently he served as a board member of Emory Winship Cancer Institute and Global MindEd.

An avid writer from an early age, Lanze published seventeen books throughout his lifetime, ending with My Walk Through the Valley of The Shadow of Death Trilogy; a reflection of his spiritual journey after being diagnosed with cancer, and Black Wounds, The Pains, Scars, and Triumphs of Black America. He was particularly passionate about social justice and before his passing, established the Dr. Lanze J. Thompson Black Wounds Social Justice and DEI Award at Pace University. The annual award will promote the Writing for Diversity and Equity in Theater and Media program at the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences.

Aside from a very successful career and numerous accolades, Lanze believed in putting the Holy Trinity first; God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. He will be remembered for his love of family and friends, his persevering spirit, mentorship, unending kindness, big laugh, and commitment to being a better person than he was the day before. An avid sports enthusiast, he loved the New York Yankees because they represent unity (only numbers, no names on jerseys), Boston Celtics (first team to hire a Black player and a Black coach, and because of Bill Russell’s dignity in the face of injustice), and Miami Dolphins (1972 perfect winning season and Super Bowl champs).

In 2008 Lanze married Renee and the journey of love, friendship and kindred spirits began. They loved being in each other’s presence and shared a love of tennis; playing together every chance they could and traveling to professional tournaments. They also loved traveling to sunny places – one of his favorites was Mazatlán, Mexico.

Lanze is survived by his wife, Remilla Renee Thompson; sons, Lanze Thompson Jr. (Antora), Anderson Thompson, William Bridges III; grandson, Lyric Thompson; siblings, Robin Thompson, Daniel Thompson (Della), Michel Thompson (Monica), Jaymie White (Reggie), Patrick Thompson, Rhonda Neal, Andrea Williams, Raqib Jones (Julie) and Laina Joseph (Duane); In-laws, Kurt Smith (Natasha), and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who are family-in-love.

Funeral service will be held at Mount Paran North Church of God, 1700 Allgood Road, Marietta GA 30062 on March 26, 2024 at 11:00 am.

Followed by the burial at Kennesaw Memorial Park at 1:00pm, 1306 Whitlock Ave SW, Marietta, GA 30064.

Family and friends are invited to fellowship together and celebrate Lanze’s memory after he’s laid to rest. Food and refreshments will be served at The Venue Marietta, 855 Church Street, Marietta 30060 (across the street from RaceTrac) on Tuesday 26, March 2024, 1:30-3:30 pm.

The family of Dr. Lanze Thompson requests that memorial gifts be designated for Cholangiocarcinoma Research at Emory Healthcare; Winship Cancer Institute. Please make checks payable to “Emory” and mail it to: Winship Cancer Institute, c/o Emory Advancement; 1762 Clifton Road NE, Ste 1400, Atlanta, GA 30322 or donate online at https://winshipcancer.emory.edu/support-winship/give/memorial-gifts.html