1947 - 2018
1947 - 2018
Obituary
Guest Book
David Paterson Lanier Jr., 70, passed away on January 1, 2018 in Longwood, Florida. David Lanier was born in Sanford on August 22, 1947. He graduated from Seminole High School, the University of Florida with a BSBA in finance and obtained his MBA from the University of Central Florida. David is preceded in death by his mother Carolyn Wynelle Lanier and his father David P. Lanier Sr..He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Darla Mengel Lanier and their daughters Jennifer Lanier (Mike Orinski) and Lindsay Lanier Corley (Nick Corley).
Prior to the establishment of his own firm, David was employed by Ernst and Ernst, an International CPA firm. In 1975, David founded Lanier and Company, PA, a full service Certified Public Accounting firm located in Sanford, Florida. David recognized the need for local investment management services and established PaxMentis Advisors.
David was a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, a designation awarded by the National Institute for Excellence in Professional Education, LLC in conjunction with the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants and various other state societies.
In the 70's he was a former professor at the University of Central Florida and authored the tax section of the University of Central Florida CPA review course. Over the years, he presented numerous seminars throughout Central Florida. He previously served as President of the Sanford Kiwanis Club, Chairman of the Seminole County Industrial Development Authority, Treasurer of the Central Florida Zoological Society, Treasurer of the Seminole County United Way, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Seminole County Port Authority and on the Safeguard Business Systems CPA National Advisory Board. He was a Deacon and Elder and served as Treasurer at the First Presbyterian Church in Sanford and Elder at Markham Woods Presbyterian Church in Lake Mary.
A celebration of life service is to be held at Markham Woods Presbyterian Church in Lake Mary on Monday, January 8, 2018 at 4:00 pm.
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January 18, 2018
David was mu Brother in law and a good person. His Christian values were obvious and always present. He will be missed by his family. My sister and nieces were always first and this was a real shock to me.
Dave Mengel
Marian Caraway Gardner
January 13, 2018
David was the instructor for my tax class at FTU (now known as University of Central Florida) in 1976 or 77. He taught me the difference in "tax deductions"' "tax exemptions" and "tax credits"; I had so much to learn and he taught me well. It is sad to learn of his death and I will say my prayers for his family. When I started my own CPA practice our paths crossed only a few times but I always believed I had someone available to talk to if I experienced a difficult tax issue. Peace be with you.
Ross Robert
January 7, 2018
David's Mom Wynelle was famous in Sanford. David adored her and Wynelle was proud of David's many accomplishments in the community and with his wife and their children. Godspeed David, You served Sanford well.
Judy Mengel
January 7, 2018
I was very sad to hear of the passing of DAVID LANIER. He was a kind and friendly brother-in-law and I know he was very proud of his beautiful wife Darla and daughters Jennifer and Lindsay. I know you will greatly miss your friend, husband, and father. I will be with you in prayer and in spirit during this great loss.
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Scott Milsom
January 7, 2018
My condolences to the Lanier Family, best wishes to you at this difficult time. I know David will be missed by many.
Pat (Wallace) Palamar
January 6, 2018
I am deeply saddened and am sending healing hugs, thoughts and prayers to surround Darla, Jennifer and Lindsay as well as his many friends and associates. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Deborah G. Doyle
January 5, 2018
David was a teacher. He not only gave many of us the training, experience and the opportunity to earn a living but more importantly in understanding, dealing with and accepting life's challenges. David was always compassionate. He spent endless amounts of time listening, consoling and offering advice to anyone in need. Big or small problems, he was sincerely there for all. David loved his family. Nothing gave him greater pride. His life was a life well lived. So...Darla, Jenny and Lindsay I morn with you and I am heartbroken for your loss.
Michelle Cates
January 4, 2018
David hired me at Lanier and Company in the mid 90's. He was always very kind and taught me a great deal. I am very sad to hear of his passing and will pray for all of his family.
Clara Graham
January 3, 2018
Always a true southern gentleman, David will be missed.
Diane Powell Groover
January 2, 2018
So many memories. David, I have known you since I was 9 years old! My half heart is broken but you will always be in my heart. May God bless Darla and your girls and give them strength.
Linda Seegers
January 2, 2018
My heart is heavy. An amazing man who was loved by all.
Linda Courier Seegers
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5000 County Road 46A, Sanford, FL 32771

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