Lawrence Howard Lanier

Isaiah 40:31

LANIER, Lawrence H. (Larry), Col., 91, of Montgomery, AL died on 9/2/26.

He was preceded in death by his parents, A. Howard Lanier and Zem Rew Lanier of Talladega, AL.

Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Gloria (Jeannie) Lanier; sister, Zem Lowery of Moody, AL; son, Mark Lanier of Lawley, AL; daughter, Katherine (Tae) (Mark) Nichols of Prattville, AL; daughter, Laura Lanier of Birmingham, AL; stepson, Chase (Nancy) Creamer of Pace, FL; stepson, Stephen (Kelly) Sanders of Troy, AL; and stepson, James Sanders of Troy, AL; five grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and seven step-grandchildren.

Larry was born on August 15, 1935 in Talladega, AL where he grew up, attended public school and became an Eagle Scout.

Being a proud veteran of the United States Air Force who valued his military service highly, he attained the prestigious rank of Colonel, receiving numerous awards and decorations.

After attending pilot training in the United States Air Force, he finished first in his class of over 300 students. In June 1957 a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering degree was awarded from the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, which is now Auburn University. In June of 1959, he achieved the Most Outstanding Graduate of Basic Single Engine Class at Craig Air Force Base.

Larry became an Air Force test pilot at the US Air Force Test Pilot/Astronaut School at Edwards Air Force Base. He remained there for an additional year as an instructor for Test Operations. Then on July 9, 1969, in Aerospace Research Pilot School, he "amazingly zoomed the Rocket NF-104 A on a climb angle of 45 degrees to an altitude of 104,800 feet!"

As part of his dedication and service, Larry was selected to become an F-4 fighter pilot, serving two tours in Vietnam with over 300 combat missions. He often said this was the highlight of his career, having flown over 5,000 hours.

He attended Squadron Officers School, Air Command Staff College and Air War College.

In August of 1974, he earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Auburn University of Montgomery, AL.

Following his military career from 1983 to 1994, he worked with USPA & IRA, which is now First Command. He was among the top financial counsellors.

In his spare time, one of his hobbies was restoring exotic sports cars. He also enjoyed motorcycles, eventually taking his younger daughter, Laura, on very long road trips on their purple Viragos.

After his retirement he and Jeannie went on many Christian cruises with Dr. Charles Stanley, including the Three Travels of Paul in the Mediterranean, with the highlight being their trip to the Holy Land.

As a testimony of his faith in God, Larry wrote his biography, On Wings as Eagles, with the purpose of sharing his love of the Lord with his children and grandchildren.

His greatest wish was that all of his family would love each other and be saved if they weren't already.

He and Jeannie were active members of Taylor Road Baptist Church for about 20 years with Larry providing Christian financial counselling. Jeannie, a Licensed Professional Counsellor, counselled from her office at the church. Later they became members of Eastern Hills Baptist Church.

Larry ended his own handwritten obituary with the statement, "I loved the Lord, Jeannie, family and country-in that order."

A funeral service with full military honors will be held Friday, September 11, 2026, at Leak Memory at 945 Lincoln Road in Montgomery, AL with Dr. Joe Godfrey officiating. Visitation will be at 10:00 followed by the funeral service at 11:00.

Afterwards, there will be a graveside patriotic service and burial at Alabama Heritage Cemetery at 10505 Atlanta Highway in Montgomery, AL.

This gathering will be to salute Larry's courage, remember his sacrifices and to ensure that his remarkable life will always be remembered.