Dr. Verne C. LANIER Jr.

LANIER, JR., Dr. Verne C. Age 73, passed away peacefully on January 24th, 2013 in Durham, NC. Born in Welcome, NC to the late Dr. Verne C. Lanier, Sr. and Lela Hedrick Lanier, he is survived by his wife and love of his life for 49 years, Dean McClellan Lanier; three daughters, Cecile (Pride) Scanlan of Nashville, TN, Melissa (Mark) Turner of Chandler, AZ, Renee (Andy) McKown of Atlanta, GA, and six grandchildren, Nicholas P. Scanlan, Abigail L. Scanlan, Erin L. Turner, Wyatt L. Turner, Louise S. McKown and Jay K. McKown. Dr. Lanier is also survived by his sister, Sarah (Don) Warnecke of Dallas TX. Dr. Lanier graduated cum laude from Catawba College in 1962. He earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University in 1966, where he also completed his general surgery residency. Dr. Lanier served on active duty for two years in the Navy with the General Surgery Staff at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD (1971-73) and as Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He completed his residency in Plastic Surgery at Duke University Medical Center in 1976. Dr. Lanier practiced Plastic Surgery for 37 years. He was dedicated to his profession and cared for his patients with both skill and compassion. He was Associate Consulting Professor of Plastic Surgery at Duke Univ. Medical Center (1978-2005), Clinical Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at UNC- Chapel Hill School of Medicine (1995-2005), and Chief of Plastic Surgery for Durham Regional Hospital (1978-2005). Dr. Lanier was a member of several professional societies, including Vanderbilt Surgical Society, Southern Medical Association (Chairman of Plastic Surgery Specialties, 1987-88), North Carolina Medical Society (Chairman, Nominating Committee 1995-96), North Carolina Society of Plastic, Maxillofacial and Reconstructive Surgeons (President, 1985-86), American Society of Plastic Surgeons (Ethics Committee 1982-88), Southeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons (Chairman, Ethics Committee 1994-97), H. William Scott Surgical Society, and Canby Robinson Society. Dr. Lanier was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Durham, serving as Deacon, Elder, and Chairman of the Stewardship Committee. He taught Sunday School and enjoyed membership in the Men's Bible Study. He was actively involved in the community as a member of the Downtown Rotary (President 1999-2000), Durham Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph's Historic Foundation (2009-10), Chairman of the Duke Children's Classic Running Festival (1986-87), and the Board of Trustees for the Durham Symphony and North Carolina Jazz Repertoire Orchestra. Dr. Lanier had a passion for music and art. He played trumpet and piano in several bands, and was awarded Plastic Surgery Portrait Artist of the Year (2002) by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and hiking, particularly his trips on the Appalachian Trail. During his lifetime, he completed several marathons, triathlons and bike races, and spent many pleasurable hours playing tennis and golf with his friends. Dr. Lanier loved to travel with his wife and spend time with his family. His joyful spirit, strength of character, and generous and kind heart will be missed. A Memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church (Durham, NC) on February 9th at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3639 Old Chapel Hill Rd., Durham, NC 27707; or The Rotary Foundation, 14280 Collections Center Dr., Chicago, IL 60693. Online condolences may be submitted at www.howertonbryan.com, select obituaries. The Lanier family is under the care of HOWERTON BRYAN FUNERAL HOME, Durham, NC (919) 682-5464.