James Lanier, Jr.
October 19, 1928 - March 02, 2025
Obituary
James R. Lanier Jr. "Bodie" was born on October 19, 1928 and went home to be with his Lord and Savior on March 2, 2025 at the age of 96 while at Haven Hospice in Chiefland, FL. He passed peacefully with his loving family by his side.
Mr. Lanier was born in Leesburg, FL, but moved to Williston, FL as a young child and lived here his entire life. He was a devout Christian and was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Williston. He was completely devoted to his family and friends. He was very charismatic and everyone loved him.
He met his wife Sylvia Lanier while she was visiting Williston and the two went on to create a beautiful life together, raising two daughters. At the early age of 9 his work ethic was established as he farmed, plowed and performed numerous other duties that were expected in that day, all while attending school and playing sports. He was a star basketball player in high school and also excelled at baseball and softball. His profession was as a postal worker. After retirement, he continued to work every day mowing, farming and doing yard work up until the age of 95. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and made many good friends while enjoying these activities. He had some great stories to tell that all his grandchildren loved to hear. He was the true definition of a role model and hero for all who knew him. He will be truly missed.
Mr. Lanier is survived by his two daughters, Debbie Sirota and Dawne Olitsky (Deon); grandchildren, Jason Head (Candice), Justin Head (Crystal), Josh McKinley, Jennifer Bryant (Henry) and Christopher Sirota (Daisy). In addition, he is survived by his dearly loved 14 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Sylvia Lanier; mother, Eula Bennett Lanier; father, James R. Lanier Sr.; sister, Eula Jean Simmons; half-brother, Claude Lanier; and son in law, Mike Sirota.
His service will be held at The First Baptist Church in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 6, 2025, with visitation at 10:00 AM immediately followed by his service at 11:00 AM. Pastor Jason Owenby will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please consider donations to Haven Hospice of Chiefland or the Baptist Children Fund.
Mr. Lanier was born in Leesburg, FL, but moved to Williston, FL as a young child and lived here his entire life. He was a devout Christian and was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Williston. He was completely devoted to his family and friends. He was very charismatic and everyone loved him.
He met his wife Sylvia Lanier while she was visiting Williston and the two went on to create a beautiful life together, raising two daughters. At the early age of 9 his work ethic was established as he farmed, plowed and performed numerous other duties that were expected in that day, all while attending school and playing sports. He was a star basketball player in high school and also excelled at baseball and softball. His profession was as a postal worker. After retirement, he continued to work every day mowing, farming and doing yard work up until the age of 95. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and made many good friends while enjoying these activities. He had some great stories to tell that all his grandchildren loved to hear. He was the true definition of a role model and hero for all who knew him. He will be truly missed.
Mr. Lanier is survived by his two daughters, Debbie Sirota and Dawne Olitsky (Deon); grandchildren, Jason Head (Candice), Justin Head (Crystal), Josh McKinley, Jennifer Bryant (Henry) and Christopher Sirota (Daisy). In addition, he is survived by his dearly loved 14 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Sylvia Lanier; mother, Eula Bennett Lanier; father, James R. Lanier Sr.; sister, Eula Jean Simmons; half-brother, Claude Lanier; and son in law, Mike Sirota.
His service will be held at The First Baptist Church in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 6, 2025, with visitation at 10:00 AM immediately followed by his service at 11:00 AM. Pastor Jason Owenby will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please consider donations to Haven Hospice of Chiefland or the Baptist Children Fund.
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May God bless comfort and console his family and loved ones