I didn't personally know Mr. Lanier, though I worked closely with his son Joe III at Dan River in the early 2000's.

I was a single Dad, raising three youngsters, and with a demanding position on the corporate staff I had my hands full. When Mr. Lanier was in Danville, he stayed with Joe III. During his stays, Joe III would show up on Mondays with any leftover groceries from the previous week, always sent with a few kind words from Mr. Lanier.

I've never forgotten these acts of kindness from the CEO to an unknown young employee. It was obvious to me where Joe III learned to conduct himself and his affairs in such an upstanding manner. In my mind, Mr. Lanier's legacy will continue through his acts of empathy for others and the values he and Mrs. Lanier passed down to their children.

Respectfully,
K. Z. Hall

Thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time of sorrow.  We are old Linen wholesalers Max Formal Company www.maxformal.com  Joe was a great and brilliant, very respected man.   Back in the day there was quality and integrity in his products and that was the kind of man that Joe was.  RIP

I received the news of Mr. Lanier's passing with great sadness.  I worked for both WestPoint Pepperell and Dan River in my career, during which I experienced an education in the business world and enjoyed forming numerous business relationships which turned into strong personal friendships.  In addition, Mr. and Mrs. Lanier were very encouraging and supportive when we adopted our son from Brazil.   For these experiences, and others too numerous to mention here, my family and I will be forever grateful.  To the Lanier family, please accept our deepest sympathy, and our sincere thanks for sharing Joe with us.  Sincerely, Rick, Patty and Christopher Rogers

Mr. Lanier was a very capable leader and well respected in the textile industry. He put 100% effort in helping Dan River to continue to grow and survive the onslaught of foreign competition for 10 years or more. He was the kind of person who inspired those around him and made them feel important. Not many left like him anymore

Mrs. Lanier, Joe III and family,

I am sending my love and prayers for you during this time of loss.  Mr. Lanier was a great champion for the Textile Industry.  I will remember all of the good times I so was fortunate to have had with him at Dan River Inc.  

My prayers are with Ann, her mother, brother and all who loved Mr. Lanier! So many wonderful memories of trips with Ann’s family, visits in their home, weekends at Converse and Ann’s beautiful wedding! A true southern gentleman who gave tirelessly to many and loved his daughter more than life! He will be sorely missed; he legacy will be carried on by his family and three grandsons! God bless you all! Will be keeping you in my many thoughts today and in the months and years ahead!
Love,
Libby Anne and Jeff

Thanks for giving a great number of people good lives. 

Mr Lanier was always kind and friendly to his employees when he would visit the mills.

When Bruce Jr died, we stood at Bruce’s grave for several minutes together, without saying a word.

Men like him are sorely missing today.

Rest In Peace.

I worked for WestPoint Pepperell from 1973 to 1994 at the Central Distribution Center in Illinois, although I never met Mr Lanier in person I had the most respect for him. I always felt a part of the Lanier family and I also always felt appreciated.  I will always be proud of my years working for the best textile manufacturer in the world. My deepest condolences to all the family.  
Rose Herrmann Kelly 

OBITUARY

Joseph L. Lanier Jr.

February 9, 1932 – August 11, 2021

Striffler-Hamby Mortuary - LaGrange

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