Curtis Eugene Lanier March 15, 1939 - September 7, 2025

On Sunday morning, September 7, at 5:40 am, surrounded by his family, my Daddy, Reverend Curtis Eugene ‘Horace’ Lanier, 86, closed his eyes in sleep and was welcomed into Heaven, by his Heavenly Father. I know Daddy ran into Jesus’ arms!  I’m sure my little Mama was there to welcome him home.

Born March 15, 1939, in Anderson, SC; he was the son of the late Cecil Lanier and Eva Lanier Woods.
On Tuesday, December 27, 1955, he married the love of his life, Miss JoAnn Alexander. Mr. Lanier was a US Army Veteran, and he owned Lanier Painting Company.

Rev. Lanier founded Burdine Road Church of God, where he served as Pastor for over 60 years.  He also spent over 40 years serving on the mission field in Mexico; he traveled and ministered as part of The Burdine Gospel Trio. The Lanier’s toured and presented a play called “A City Called Heaven” beginning in 1972.

‘Horace’ and JoAnn were married 67 years and prayed for a child for over 20 years. God answered their prayers in August of 1982, and their family was complete, with the addition of their only child, a son, John David Lanier. He is survived by his son, John and daughter-in-love, April Adams Lanier.

‘Horace’ was the last surviving member of his immediate family.  He was twice widowed, first to the late JoAnn, who passed away in October 2022 and then to the late Annie Ruth Gilliam, whom he married in September 2023.  In addition to his parents, his loving wife, JoAnn, and his second wife, Ruth; he was also predeceased in death by his sister: Betty Bearden; and brothers: Kenneth, Raymond, Harold, Ralph and Grady Lanier.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 5pm to 9 pm at Burdine Road Church of God, 1007 Burdine Road Anderson, SC.  Rev. Lanier’s body will lie in state at the church following the visitation.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 12 noon with Pastors Eugene Dixon, Russell Kinlaw and Donnie Norris officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

The family would like to say a special Thank You to his caregivers Sandy Cobb and Teresa Franks. You were such a blessing to our family and words could never convey our appreciation.

Sosebee Mortuary and Crematory is assisting the family with the arrangements.

I try to imagine, dream of the day;

the sky will burst open; I can’t hardly wait.

I will hear the trumpet, I’ll be caught away,

things of Earth won’t matter, when the Savior calls my name.
I want to run into his arms, feel his warm embrace.

Tears fill my eyes and run down my face.

Consumed by His glory, clothed in His grace.

I want to run into His arms, meet my Father face to face.
Streets of gold won’t matter, walls of jasper too,

the pearly gates won’t stop me, when my Savior comes in view.

Nothing else matters, no words to describe,

the first time I see Him, the one who saved my life.