Service Announcements

Mr. Henry G. Lanier, Jr. 78, of Charlotte, NC passed away Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at Asbury Health and Rehabilitation Center. Celebration of his life will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025 at New St. John Baptist Church, 2000 St. John Church Rd. Charlotte, NC 28215. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM and the Service will follow at 12:00 PM. United States Marines Honors will take place following the Service. Interment will take place Monday, December 8, 2025 at York Memorial Park 5150 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28217 at 11:00 AM.

Mr. Henry G. Lanier Jr. of Charlotte, North Carolina, was born on December 30, 1946, to the late Henry G. Lanier Sr. and Amy Lee Rankin Lanier in Mecklenburg County. He peacefully departed this life on November 26, 2025, at Asbury Health and Rehabilitation in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Henry attended Mecklenburg County Schools and graduated from York Road High School. He faithfully served his country in the United States Marine Corps, where he bravely fought in the Vietnam War. During his service, he earned numerous medals, commendations, citations, and ribbons, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and recognition from Demolitions School, MCI-106mm Recoilless Rifle, and USAIS Ft. Benning, GA – Dog Handler School. Henry retired with an Honorable Discharge. His favorite saying, “Semper Fi”—Always Faithful—truly reflected the way he lived his life.
Following his military service, Henry worked with Covington Diesel as a Sales Representative for many years. He also spent time with Yellow Freight as a Diesel Mechanic and later with the United States Postal Service, where he remained until his retirement in 1994.
Henry married his former wife, Cheryl Porter, and together they had three beautiful children. In 1988, he married Joyce Hudson, known lovingly as his beautiful queen, and from this union, they co-parented six children. Henry was a devoted husband and father whose presence anchored his family.
At a young age, Henry joined Christian Leadership Church where he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and served as a dedicated member. He later joined Simfield AME Zion Church, where he loved singing in the choir, enjoyed Sunday School, and treasured fellowship with family and friends. He loved the Lord and faithfully studied the Word, offering spiritual advice and wisdom to everyone around him.
Henry lived a full and active life. Many affectionately knew him as “Coach Lanier.” He coached Pop Warner football and basketball with CYAC and the Plaza Wildcats. His time in the military sparked a lifelong love for German Shepherds, and he proudly owned and trained them throughout his life. He was the owner and operator of K-9 Masters Training. Henry was also an avid bowler and spent 20 years as president of the Helping Hands Bowling League. He bowled on the Swinging Seniors League until his health declined. He especially enjoyed videoing family weddings, holidays, and celebrations, preserving precious memories for generations to come.
Henry was preceded in death by his brother Jerry Lanier, sister Maxine Love, and grandson Christian Lanier.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 38 years, Mrs. Joyce Lanier—his beautiful queen; three sons—Gary Lanier, O’Mar Lanier (Kimberly) of Charlotte, NC, and Ronald Cunningham (Ebony) of Matthews, NC; three daughters—Michelle DuPree (Palmer) of Harrisburg, NC, DeShonda Lanier, and Donna White, of Charlotte, North Carolina; one brother, Milton Lanier (Barbara) of Long Beach, California; 4 brother in laws, Raymond Hudson of Clearwater, FL, Derrick Augustus III, Alphonzo Augustus, Jonathan Augustus all of Charlotte; 4 sister in laws, Maxine Eaves, Addie Jackson (William), Pamela Tidwell all of Charlotte, NC and Grace Davis (Tyrone) of Winston Salem; 15 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Henry lived by the Marine Corps motto he loved so much—Semper Fi. Always faithful to his God, family, country, and everyone blessed to know him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and unforgettable memories.