Eugene Banks Lanier III

Eugene (Gene) Lanier, of Holly Springs, MS passed away on December 26, 2020. He died not far from his home, in Oxford, Mississippi. Gene was 81. Eugene Banks Lanier III was born to Constance Harris Golden and Eugene Banks Lanier on November 6, 1939. He was the oldest of four, an avid athlete and a talented thespian growing up, attending Holly High School in Marshall County. He married his childhood best friend and love from around the block, Frances Bitzer Doxey. They moved to Oxford and Gene graduated from The University of Mississippi, "Ole Miss". Soon after he joined the Air Force and was off to follow his dreams, to explore and discover the world. First stop, San Diego, then all over the United States. He served his country in Vietnam, was stationed in Germany and in Greece. He had two children, Laura and Eugene Banks Lanier, Jr (Banks), and later grandchildren and great grandchildren. He liked his work, he loved animals, to travel, having adventures, and making new acquaintances. After many years of crossing the continent and country, Gene Lanier returned to his safe harbor, his Hometown, remarried to Cynthia Lanier, and retired. This was the end, of Part I, of Eugene's life, as we knew it.

Now, partly due to circumstances of 2020, a written brief memorial will serve as our collective farewell, for our Eugene, Gene, Brother, Dad, and of his journey. It is not a full reflection of this man, as no one can really know all; but it is the record we lived, the years we were, in some way, a part of. His children, siblings, and close family members wish to recognize that he has died; now gone from our lives. Memories shall remain.

Eugene was proceeded in his death by his parents and sister, Constance (Ann) Lanier; nephews, Ken and Shawn Thomas.

He is survived by his other 2 siblings, Woodrow Wilson Golden, Gainesville, Georgia and Emmy Golden JarJoura, Senatobia Mississippi; his first wife, and his children: surviving daughter, Laura Lanier, Louisiana and son and daughter-in-law, Banks and Beth Lanier, Tennessee. Gene also leaves granddaughters and grandson-in-law: Amanda Lanier, Emily and Richard Neal and great- grandchildren: Eli and Jonah Neal and Maya Towle; surviving nieces, Mi'chel, Ramsey, Arkansas, Kimberly Ann Hauth, Florida, and Camille Salters, Mississippi; surviving nephews, Shae Orrell, Mississippi, Will Golden, California, Lewis Golden, Alabama.

We bid you peace, grace, and the love of your family. Laura Lanier, January 2021

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