William S. Lanier Jr.

1939 - 2026

Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at his residence, Mr. William S. Lanier, Jr., 86, loving husband of the late Susan Lillard Lanier.

William was a native and lifelong resident of Augusta. He was a 1956 graduate of the Academy of Richmond County and a star football player nicknamed "Golden Toe" for his excellent punting and placekicking abilities. He was also an integral part or the team winning the 1956 State Championship. After high school, he attended Georgia Tech and Augusta College and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia. He worked in sales for E-Z-GO from 1974 to 1981 before moving to Club Car, where he retired in 2001 after 20 years.

He was a member of Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon, Augusta Country Club, and Augusta Golf Association. William was known for his artistic creativity, which included gardening, constructing and flying model airplanes, beautiful penmanship, athleticism, and humor. He had an uncanny memory, especially when it came to anything sports or history related. He had a great love for his late wife, Susan, and for his children and grandson, and he spent as much time as possible with them; he had many friends who loved him and never knew a stranger.

Family members include his son, William S. Lanier III; daughter, Susan L. Miller; and grandchild, Henry Miller.

He was predeceased by his wife, Susan, and his parents, William Stevens Lanier, Sr. (Buck) and Robbie Culpepper Lanier.

The family would like to thank his caregiver Jerilene McKie for her love, care and unwavering devotion to William. They would also like to thank Doris Lane for commitment to the family for so many years.

The funeral service will be held Monday, February 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Thomas Poteet and Son with Rev. Mark Maund officiating. Interment will follow in Westover Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Brian Balocki, John Boone, Chuck Baldwin, Vic Baker, Tripp Kuhlke, and Van Patrick. The AGA will be honorary pallbearers.

Memorial contributions may be made to Thornwell Children's Orphanage: 302 S Broad St., Clinton, SC 29325, thornwell.org or the CSRA Humane Society: 425 Wood St, Augusta, GA 30904.

The family will receive friends on Monday at 1:00 p.m. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com