Rev. Gerald Elliott Lanier

MIDLAND - Rev. Gerald Elliott Lanier, 79, of 13291 Hwy. 601 S., Midland died Monday, Feb. 22, 2010, at his home. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010, at First Baptist Church of Indian Trail, with Rev. Jonathan Barbee, Rev. Mike Whitson, Rev. Danny Myers and Dr. Maurice Henson will officiate and burial will be in First Baptist Church Cemetery in Locust. Born May 13, 1930 in Randolph County he was the son of the late Herbert Wade Lanier and Sula Elliott Lanier. He was educated at Fruitland Bible College. Rev. Lanier answered the call in ministry in 1946 and was ordained Aug. 19, 1956. He pastored Oakland Heights Baptist Church, Salisbury, Dunn's Grove Baptist, Albemarle, First Baptist, Midland, Friendly Baptist Church, Monroe, Wadeville Baptist, Wadeville, and served as interim pastor at Kinza Memorial Baptist Church in Stanfield and Cottonville Baptist Church, Norwood. He was a loving father, grandfather, pastor, and friend. He loved his family and loved preaching God's Word. He said, "If you want to make a difference for the Kingdom, you must love people." He was a member of First Baptist Church of Indian Trail. Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, Betty Magilene Daniel Lanier; daughters, Ms. Geraldine Lanier and Mrs. Janet Kay Lanier McKnight; brothers, Jack Lanier and Richard Lanier; sisters, Alma Lee Frye and Betty Ann Russell; five grandchildren of whom he was so proud, Amy Whitley, Chad VonCannon, Mika Edwards, Judith Downs, and Jonathan Barbee; 12 great-grandchildren; special sister-in-law, Juanita Weaver and niece Lynn Garner. A great-granddaughter, Maeghan Edwards; sisters, Evelyn Gallimore and Wanda Faye Lanier; and brother, Malcolm Lanier preceded him in death. Memorials may be made to the Maeghan and Heidi Heart Foundation, PO Box 273, Indian Trail, NC 28079 or to Metrolina Christian Academy Financial Aid Fund, PO Box 1460, Indian Trail, NC 28079. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Stanly Funeral Home, Albemarle and Wednesday from noon until 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Indian Trail. Stanly Funeral home is serving the family. Please share condolences at www.StanlyFuneralHome.com.