James Edwin Lanier, Sr.

James Edwin Lanier, Sr., a longtime resident of the Centennial Community in White Plains, GA, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Madison Health and Rehab. He was 90 years old. Born on August 25, 1935, in Franklin Springs, Georgia, James was the son of the late James Euel Lanier and Lenolia Prather Lanier. He was a graduate of Union Point High School, in the class of 1953. On March 22, 1959, he married the former Shirley Mae Chapman, and they shared fifty-seven years of marriage before her passing. James worked as a bulldozer operator for Lanier Construction Company and was a longtime, active member of Centennial Christian Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Lanier; his only son, Jay Lanier; and his brother, Wesley Lanier. Survivors include his grandson, Michael Lanier and his wife Miranda; his daughter-in-law, Sandy Maxwell; his brother, Bobby Lanier; and several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Centennial Christian Church, 4828 Centennial Road, White Plains, GA 30678, with Rev. Alec Ward officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Steve Lanier, Ben Lanier, William Myers, Austin Lanier, Peyton Lanier, and Russell Wall. Honorary pallbearers will be Keith James, Andy Shields, William Coleman, Thurmond Jarrard, Herbert Rhodes, Milton Robbins and Wayne Corry. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 10, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at McCommons Funeral Home. The family requests that memorials be made in memory of James to the Centennial Christian Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Judy Hodnett, 7601 Veazey Road, White Plains, GA 30678, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, P. O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090. McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us online at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the guest register.

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