Bill Lanter

Bill D. Lanter was born in Williamsburg, Kentucky, on March 26, 1935, and passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 90.

Bill was known for his warmth, kindness, and gentlemanly manners. By nature, he was inviting and inclusive. The Lanter home was always open for friends and neighbors, who were free to join for dinner or share a glass of iced tea on the patio whenever they wanted. Grandchildren fondly remember “Lanterland,” where sleepovers, holidays, and Poppa Bill’s old-fashioned popcorn made lasting memories.

In 1943, Bill and his family moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee where he took advantage of the educational opportunities and relished the exposure to people from all over the country. As a teenager, he excelled in both academics and sports, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball. In recognition of his achievements, he was inducted into the Oak Ridge Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.

Bill accepted a full athletic scholarship to the University of Tennessee, where he played football from 1955 to 1957. He completed his degree in Business Administration in the spring of 1958. While attending UT, he met Colleen Martin, who became his wife of 60 years. Together, they raised six children and built a family that grew to include eleven grandchildren and, eventually, four great-grandsons.

Bill began his business career with Union Carbide Corporation in Oak Ridge. In 1968, he joined Gulf States Paper Company’s Plastics Division in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He later retired as Vice President and General Manager of the Southern Natural Gas Intrastate Pipeline.

During his years in Northport, Alabama, Bill was surrounded by neighbors whose friendship and kindness provided him with a sense of community. A gifted athlete throughout his life, he was an avid golfer and a fixture at Tuscaloosa Country Club where he cherished time on the course with friends.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Colleen Martin Lanter; his parents, Flora and Roy Lanter; and his brother, Lewis Lanter.

He is survived by his children and their families: Steve Lanter (Kiento) of Knoxville, TN, grandchildren Michael Lanter and Karen Hughes (Curtis), Mark Lanter of Birmingham, AL, grandchildren Courtney Lanter, Cole Lanter, and Lilly Lanter, Donna Cowan (Glen) of Nashville, TN, grandchildren Will Cowan (Janie) and Matt Cowan, Philip Lanter of Navarre, FL, grandchildren Jordan Lanter and Carly Lanter, Karen Vogel (Joshua) of Wilmington, NC, grandchildren Isabel Vogel and Megan Vogel, Carol Lanter of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by his great-grandsons: Bowie Lanter and Hayes, Edwin, and Graham Cowan.

Bill’s family is deeply grateful to his devoted caregivers, Gail Duncan, Becky Pardue, Mary Barcomb, Susan Reed, Alice Baker, and Aloma Avant, whose gentle care, compassion, and steadfast presence brightened his final years. Their devotion brought warmth, laughter, and dignity, for which his family will be forever thankful.

A graveside service will be held on December 6 at 11:30 a.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park. Following the service, there will be a luncheon for family and friends to celebrate Bill’s life at Fire and Salt in Oak Ridge, Tn.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be given to Tuscaloosa Junior Golf Academy of Ol’ Colony, Hospice of West Alabama, or First Baptist Church of Oak Ridge, Tn .