Rev David Lanier

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Rev. William David Lanier, resident of Cleveland, TN, passed away Thursday, August 28, 2008, in an area hospital. He was born May 17, 1931 in Avon Park, Florida.

Survivors include his caring wife of 55 years, Betty Lane Raney, two daughters and sons in law, Doctors Su and John Vining, Cleveland, TN and Joni and Jim Pickles of Cookeville, TN. He took great joy in his three granddaughters, Meredith, and her husband, Jonathan, Melani Suzanne Vining and Megan, and her husband, Mario Hood. Great grandson, Dalen Davis Hood and great granddaughter, Olivia Grace Parker, all of Cleveland. In addition, he is survived by two special nieces: Carolyn Hammond and Barbara Vickery, 6 great nieces and 12 great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Melisia Lanier and his sister and brother-in-law: Lorenzo and Marguerite Walker.

An ordained minister in the Church of God for 60 years, he preached his first sermon at age 16. He served the denomination as evangelist, pastor in Florida and Ohio, state overseer of Iowa, Michigan and South Georgia, state evangelism director of Florida and chairman of the World Missions Board. He was a member of the Masters Quartet and maintained lifelong friendships with the members. He attended the North Cleveland Church of God.

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 1, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. at North Cleveland Church of God with Pastor Mitch Maloney, Pastor Gary Sears, Rev. Carl Richardson and Dr. John Vining officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Olive Cemetery conducted by Rev. Marvin Johnson and Rev. Robert Cary. Grady Townsend, Rick Whitter, James Sears, Jim Pickles, Jonathan Parker and Mario Hood will serve as pallbearers. Ordained Ministers of the Church of God will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Church of God World Missions.

The family will receive friends Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the church.

Grissom Funeral Home has charge of funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.grissomfh.net