Lanier Raymond

Raymond Lanier, 77, lifelong resident of Elmore County, AL, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, May 17, 2014, after 16-month battle with advanced prostate cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers and a son. He is survived by wife of 40 years and best friend, Candice. He is also survived by a son, 4 grandchildren, 2 sisters (thank you Betty for being such a good friend and good neighbor too), 23 nieces and nephews (your devotion to your Uncle Raymond is so appreciated, Ricky), many great nieces and nephews (Jake, you are so dear and special, Josh and Natalie too (RTR), also many great-great nieces and nephews (especially Emily, Brian and Ethan). Also new neighbor and friend Mikey (and Julez) and his pal and loyal 4-legged friend, Duke, who like the rest of us is heartbroken. Raymond made many acquaintances during his 45 years in the land surveying and construction layout business, many of whom he mentored that became lifelong friends (Bill, Jimmy, Darryl, Charlie and L.G). He enjoyed hunting, fishing and his garden, especially raising tomatoes. He missed crappie season this year much to his disappointment. He'll miss all his neighbors and friends at Plaster’s Landing on the river. Raymond also loved watching Crimson Tide football games and SEC girls softball games. He loved life, homemade strawberry milkshakes, and good country music and dancing (those special ones with Charlotte leading at the Music Hall in Prattville). There wasn't much he didn't like, except dishonesty in anyone (and he hated nut grass). everyone who knew Raymond liked him. he was a loyal and devoted friend, hard working and honest, friendly and outgoing, always smiling with his boyish grin, and wold help anyone in need. He is in heaven getting reunited with family, ridin’ and lookin’ with Buck, fishing with Don and probably getting to know heaven’s layout with George. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at Brookside Funeral Home with Jon Chapman officiating. Visitation will be an hour before. Internment will follow at Brookside Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be: Bill Blakely, Ricky Herring, Greg Herring, Brad Short, Jake Ford, E.C. Short, Tony Lanier and Doug Owenby. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the American Legion Post 133, Millbrook, Alabama, the Elmore County Humane Society or charity of your choice. Life wont be the same without him; its not quite as happy a place as it was with him in it, because everybody who knew Raymond loved him.