John Carlton Lanier

John Carlton Lanier, 60, died Tuesday at St. Joseph's Hospital in Savannah after a long illness. Born in West Palm Beach, FL, John served in the US Army during the Vietnam Era. He was a master electrician, working for civil service for 14 years at Ft. McPherson and Ft. Gillem, then as Chief of Engineering for Starwood Hotels. He was also a soccer enthusiast, having been both a coach and state endorsed referee. He is survived by his daughter, Amanda Lanier of Atlanta; son, John Eric Lanier of Dothan, AL, parents, John E. and Melba Lanier of Midway; sister Sheryl L. Lanier of Stockbridge; brother, James Kevin Lanier of Hinesville; uncle, Kimsey Helms (Laura) of Havanna, FL; aunt, Mary Durden of Savannah; nieces and nephews; and best friend Henry "Bubba" Villwok. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Carter Funeral Home. A private graveside service with military honors will be Friday at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.carteroglethorpe.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Carlton Lanier, please visit our flower store.