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Rodney Darren Lanier

FUNERAL HOME

Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home Kinderton Chapel - Advance

108 East Kinderton Way

Advance, North Carolina

Rodney Lanier Obituary

LANIER CHARLOTTE ~ Rodney Darren Lanier Feb. 22, 1967 ~ Dec. 9, 2011 Mr. Rodney Darren Lanier, 44, of Charlotte died unexpectedly Friday, December 9, 2011 after a brief battle with cancer. He was born February 22, 1967 in Forsyth Co. to Vance Eugene and Helen Laird Lanier. Rodney's passion for music led him to become a multi instrument musician where he played with several bands which allowed him the opportunity to tour the United States and parts of Europe. His passion for people, young and old, earned him the nickname "Big Bear" by his friends. He is survived by his parents of Advance; a sister, Annette Nice and husband Jerry of Franklin VA and their daughter, Stephanie; a brother, Vance Lanier and wife Phyllis of Kernersville and their son, Blake and daughter, Rachel along with several aunts, uncles and cousins. A Funeral Service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, December 12, 2011 at Bethlehem United Methodist Church with Rev. Barry Lemons officiating. Mr. Lanier will lie in-state thirty minutes prior to the Service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Sunday at Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel. Memorials may be made to the Rodney Lanier Support Trust, 4242 Folkston Dr., Charlotte, NC 28205. Online condolences may be made to www.hayworth- miller.com. The Lanier family would like to give special thanks to Rodney's friends in Charlotte for the care, support and compassion given to Rodney during his illness.

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Published by Winston-Salem Journal on Dec. 11, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Rodney Lanier

18 Entries

Barefoot Burt

January 16, 2025

We all miss you at The Shag Shack in Myrtle Beach! Nobody loved Beach Music like Rodney!

Beth Prince

April 6, 2021

You visited me last night in my dream.

January 4, 2012

I am so saddened to hear of Rodney's passing. I am a member of the Charlotte music community, but I don't get out or keep in touch as much as I used to. That is why it makes me particularly sad to learn of Rodney's passing at this late date. He was the real thing. He was a credit to this crazy occupation or avocation we call musician. He was an incredibally talented person, wonderful, skilled and artistic at everything he approached, yet he was so human, loving and giving that he trully made a good name for all of us who call ourselves musicians. I never heard him speak an unkind word about anyone! In my mind, that makes him a hero and someone that I will truly miss. Godspeed my friend.
Fudd McKinney
The Moonshine Racers

Michele Ruge

December 20, 2011

I will miss you everyday <3

Rodney at Morin Heights recording studio in Canada, with Jolene.

Beth Walker

December 16, 2011

My dearest Rollo: The light always found you. Or rather, you carried it with you and shared it with all you touched. Thank you for quietly holding my hand when I was down, or gently patting my head with your Big Bear hand. Thank you for being quick with a laugh, a hug or a prank. Thank you for the graceful and gentle way you lived your life –in between the mischievous antics and Cheshire cat grin – because you filled mine with love, laughter and an unwavering friendship that only my “hammer” could provide.

I am reminded of how genuinely touched and surprised you were to learn at Oso Grande that you were loved by so many. Perhaps that is the true beauty of your sweet soul. You never expected that love, but always earned it. You remain the most authentic human being I have ever known. Here's to you, my sweet friend. I love you. The honor was all ours…

Ken and Suzie Helman

December 16, 2011

Rest well Rodney.

Tami Owens-Ferri

December 12, 2011

You will be missed Rodney, Charlotte music will never be the same without the option of seeing you play. May you rest with the Lord Jesus Christ and may he keep your family and loved ones in his loving arms in this time of need. You will be missed my friend.....

Kim Butler

December 12, 2011

So sorry to hear about Rodney's sudden passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Lynda and Maddie Shuler

December 12, 2011

Rest in peace, friend. We will miss you.

Adam Roth

December 11, 2011

Rodney was such a dear guy and always had a great attitude. Easily the most loved musician in Charlotte,...not just because of his talented abilities to play multi-instruments and all different styles, but because I imagine he was so fun to play with. I never had the opportunity but just from all the times I saw him play, his kindness, laughter & soul, always came across on a stage. He was a 'real' person and wasn't afraid to show it. I'll miss him.

Julia Pilcher Myers

December 11, 2011

So sorry to hear of Rodney's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. My you find comfort in knowing hes no longer suffering and is now with his grandparents and family in Heaven.

Andrew Nesbitt

December 11, 2011

So sorry to hear about this tragic loss. Rodney will definitely be missed. He was always a positive and upbeat person. The Evening Muse lost a wonderful member of their family. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time. Fare thee well my friend. My the four winds carry you safely home.

Erik Button

December 11, 2011

Rodney was the best guy to work with and hang out with. We goofed around a lot and he always made me have a great time hosting the open mic. Just one of those people who was genuinely happy and made everyone laugh. I'll miss getting Rice Krispy Treats thrown at me by him.

December 11, 2011

I am heartbroken. I love you and miss you Rodney. It was an immeasurable experience sharing life with you that I will hold very dear everyday. I am so lucky and privileged to call you my brother, my friend and a wonderful partner in music. Rest easy sweet Hot Rollo! (John Crooke - LA/Charlotte)

R.I.P. Good Buddy !

woody williams

December 11, 2011

My heart is broken tonight, i just can't believe Rodney is gone. Truly gonna miss your contagious laughter and honest heart. You were always so good to me....You will be missed forever buddy!

Theresa Girault

December 11, 2011

He was a kind and gentle soul who will be missed by many.

Peter Holsapple

December 11, 2011

Rodney was a fine musician and a good friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.

ROOK CLUB

December 11, 2011

Family of Rodney Lanier,

We at the East Bend Rook Club would like to express to you all our greatest sympathy. Also we want to let you all know that you are in our thoughts and prayer now and the weeks and months to come.

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