William "Harry" H. Lanier Iii

Mr. William H. “Harry” Lanier, III, age 75, of Loretto, Tennessee passed away on August 20, 2014 at NHC Columbia.

Harry was the son of the late William H. Lanier, Jr. and the late Margaret Estes Lanier Foster and was born on July 17, 1939 in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee. He was married to Frances Scott Lanier for almost 44 years and was very loved by her as well as by all those who knew him. Harry loved the Lord and was very religious. He was a member of the Church of Christ. He was a gentle little boy that turned into a gentle giant. He was always happy as he went through life.

Harry served honorably in the United States Navy in his younger years. Mr. Lanier was then a Tennessee Highway Patrol Officer for several years before transferring to the Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicles’ office. He ended his career as a Lawrence County Magistrate, having worked a total of almost 50 years before retiring. His family recalls that he really had no hobbies; he just loved working. Shortly prior to his passing he had celebrated two 75th birthday parties.

Harry is survived by his wife: Frances Scott Lanier; children: Natalie (Kerry) Soule, Lisa (Donnie) Barnett, Troy Lanier, Chad (Carmen) Lanier, and Chastity Lanier; 14 grandchildren (which includes Kaitlyn Myhan whom he raised as his own); and 17 great-grandchildren; brothers: Mickey Lanier and Steve Foster; sisters: Linda (Cheryl) Morgan and Pat Williams; many nieces and nephews and special friend: Jo Marie whom he loved like a sister. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister: Mary Lynn Lanier and his grandson: Joseph Tyler Byrd.

Graveside services to celebrate Mr. Lanier’s life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Arlington Cemetery with Bro. Randy Kersey officiating. The family will visit with friends on Friday, August 22 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will also visit with friends on Saturday from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant prior to traveling in procession to Arlington Cemetery.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol will provide pallbearers.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.williamsfh.com .