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Joseph Lanier Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Lanier
Sponsored by Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington.
thomas williams
January 4, 2019
I worked with Sonny for many years and found him to be a great person, a good officer and a good friend who would help you if you needed it I learned many things from Sonny one of was to treat all people with respect and not to jump to conclusions before you investigate. He will be missed by all of us who knew him but he will never be forgotten by us. Tommy Williams former Chief KBPD.
January 3, 2019
First let me express my heart-felt condolences to Mrs. Lanier and family for your sorrow and your loss. Sonny Lanier was the finest law enforcement officer I have ever known and believe me I have met a few in my lifetime. Sonny had more integrity, honesty, and passion for his law enforcement work than most others. Sonny was likeable, friendly, funny and compassionate towards others. He would also slap you down and put you in your place if he had to, I know because I have been on both sides with Sonny and he helped me out and was there for me more than once in my life and I thank him for that. I have a lot of respect for that man and I liked Sonny a lot. He will be missed! Sincerely: Denis C. Robichaux
Michael Byrd
January 2, 2019
i have fond memories of Sonny and going out on his boat as a young "Yankee". I was so proud to have known him. Sharon my condolences to you and your mom. Sonny is at peace. You two have done so much for him during his last few years. I am so sorry but I know he loved you all.
With love and sympathy
Michael and Myrna Byrd
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Tom Parker
January 2, 2019
Sonny was my friend and work associate. He was my major and my sheriff. He and Betty Jean treated me like family. He oversaw my promotion to sergeant and SWAT commander and lieutenant and when I asked him for the promotion to captain of the Patrol Division, he said "You got it." On one particularly long SWAT deployment he came to the scene after an all night observation and said, "You don't have him out yet?" I said, "Give me five minutes, Major." The subject was out in four minutes. No comment from the Major. That is the way we worked with the Major and the Sheriff.
On my promotion to captain, he told me to move personnel as needed but to keep him informed. He never second guessed or criticized the assignment of Patrol personnel, and I kept him informed. We all were quite fortunate.
I came to the NHSO as a mature and experienced officer with an appreciation to check in with the boss regularly. I did so with Sheriff McQueen and Sheriff Lanier. Early one morning I walked into Sheriff Lanier's office, with the permission of Miss Davis, and asked how he was doing. His reply was, "Can I give this .... back?" He was having a bad day and shared it. Sheriff McQueen shared his bad days if you asked him. These are friends and respected law enforcement professionals. What more could we want?
Betty Jean, I am sorry for your loss and our loss.
Joseph W. Lanier was a former Board Member and a Life Member of the New Hanover County Law Enforcement Officers Association.
Maybe this will give some folks yet another view of Sonny, my friend and my boss.
Julie Boatwright Pettee
January 2, 2019
Sad news. For many years I worked with Sonny's mother, Virginia Lanier. She was so proud of Sonny. Sending love to his family.
Harold Seagle
January 2, 2019
Sonny was truly a "Man's Man." Many are like a weather vane --- all you can tell by watching them is which way the wind is blowing, and it changes from time to time. This was not Sonny --- he was a compass for the rest of us. You could always tell "true north" by watching him. He never varied --- he knew what was right, and he did it. I admired him, I loved him and I will miss him.
My love to Betty Jean and the rest of the family. I'll be praying for you all. Godspeed Sonny --- we'll be seeing you "on down the road."
Harold Seagle, Asheville, N.C.
Claudette Brown
January 1, 2019
Betty Jean, I am so sorry for your loss. My sympathy and prayers to you and your family. Love you.
Teresa Parker Edens
January 1, 2019
He was a great man and friend. An excellent Sherriff. He was wonderful to our family when my husband,Bradley E Parker, worked for him and at his death in 2001.
Christine Parker Montanez
January 1, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of Mr Lanier passing. He was a good friend to my father (Bradley E Parker). My family has a lot of respect for Mr Lanier and appreciate everything he did for our family during our loss. My families thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time.
Jeff and Renae Fountain
January 1, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sonny was a great man and we will miss him.
Donna Vandergrift-Kraynick
January 1, 2019
Betty Jean, so sorry to hear about Sonny. I remember the first reunion I attended five years ago, you and Sonny were so nice to let me join your table. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless all of you.
Karan Smith
January 1, 2019
Betty Jean,
I am so sorry to read of Sonnys passing. He was a gentle giant and I have fond memories of the times we all shared years ago. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim George
January 1, 2019
Sure sorry about your loss.
Jeffery Tripp
January 1, 2019
A big man with an even bigger heart. A true law enforcement professional. Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends. A true loss to New Hanover County.
Sandy Cyphers
December 31, 2018
So sorry to hear of Sonny's passing. Always thought of him as a nice guy and truly epitomized a good law enforcement officer. Thanks for his many years of service. Thoughts and prayers to his wonderful family.
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