David Lanning "Lanny" King

David Lanning “Lanny” King, 63, of Columbus, GA, passed away on December 28, 2025.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Born in New Orleans, LA to James Lanier King and Opal Arnett King; he was known by “Lanny”.  He was a good man, humble and friendly.  Lanny was a loving and caring father to his two sons, a granddaughter and a grandson, and cherished his extended family and siblings deeply.  Lanny was preceded in death by his sister and her husband, Vickie and Dr. George Stephenson, his father, Lanier King, and his brother, Jamie King.

Lanny was a graduate of Columbus High School and received an associate’s degree from Columbus Technical College.  Other than working for a short time in textiles along with his brothers, Lanny enjoyed a rewarding career in the food service industry.  Beginning as a cook at Bonanza Steakhouse, he worked his way up into a management role.  Later, Lanny would change from cooking steaks to cooking pizza, as the manager, and then owner, of Smith’s Pizzeria in Smith Station.  While employed with one restaurant chain, Lanny enjoyed the opportunity of travelling to other southern cities to train the cooking staff and help in the opening of the new restaurant.  At the time of his passing, Lanny was the manager of Jim Bob’s Restaurant in Columbus where he was described as a good leader, dependable, hardworking and always greeted everyone with a smile.  His humbleness and good attitude will be missed by all.

Lanny was known for his love and interest in all local sports teams including the Falcons and the Braves, but most especially for his father’s alma mater, the Auburn Tigers. He loved to talk about football and play fantasy football.  He was once a sportswriter for a small newspaper recapping the area’s weekly high school games.  Lanny enjoyed the beach, looking forward to annual trips with his family.

Lanny is survived by his two sons, James “Jamie” Carl King Sr. (Tamara) and David Anthony “Tony” King; his mother, Opal King; his siblings, Mike (Joy), Debbie, Randy (Beth), and Tim (Renee)King; and his two grandchildren: Aubrey Marie King and James Carl King Jr.  He is also survived by a family of close, loving friends who will feel his loss terribly, Kim and Paul Littleton, Alice Lindsay, and Angie McCrory, and his beloved cat, Keke.

Lanny will be remembered for his warmth and friendliness, his dedication to his work, and his willingness to help others.