PORTAL, Ga. — Mr. James Larry Lanier, age 82, died Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Mr. Lanier was born August 1, 1944, to the late James Durward Lanier and Edna Olene Pate Lanier.
A lifelong resident of the Portal community, Larry graduated from Portal High School in 1962 and later attended barber school in Savannah.
In February 1965, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Jewel Mills Bullard Lanier. The two shared 55 years of marriage prior to her death in 2019. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, hard work and service to their community.
Larry was a master barber and, along with his father, owned and operated Lanier’s Barbershop from the 1960s until 1979. That year, Larry and Jewel purchased what became Lanier’s IGA Foodliner in Portal, a family business that continues to be owned and operated by their sons.
Larry remained a dedicated worker at the grocery store and became a familiar and beloved presence to generations of customers throughout the Portal community.
In addition to his work as a barber and grocer, Larry was a hardworking farmer. He raised row crops and cattle and also farmed pecans.
Larry was a longtime and devoted member of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Portal. Over the years, he faithfully served his church in numerous capacities, including Sunday school teacher and director, choir member, Vacation Bible School director, deacon and chairman of the deacons. His service to his church reflected the faith that guided his life.
His generosity extended far beyond the church walls. Larry had a profound love for his fellow man and quietly helped families in need, supported missionary efforts throughout the United States and assisted numerous organizations and causes. He was a true servant at heart and found great joy in helping others.
Larry was also an active supporter of his community and especially of the schools and young people of Bulloch County. Through the years, he contributed to business scholarships, FFA, athletic programs and many other school and community activities. His generosity was often given without recognition or fanfare; helping others was simply part of who he was.
Above all, Larry treasured his family. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a source of tremendous pride and happiness, and the example he set through his faith, work ethic, generosity and devotion to others will remain a legacy for generations to come.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Durward Lanier and Edna Olene Pate Lanier; his wife, Jewel Mills Bullard Lanier; his sister, Bobbie Meeks; his sister-in-law, Lori Lanier; and his brothers-in-law, Bill Meeks and Don Stanley.
Surviving are his three children and their spouses, Brian and Pam Lanier of Portal, Joey and April Lanier of Statesboro and Pam Lanier Radford of Statesboro; nine grandchildren, Jodi Radford Bryant (BJ) of Portal, Brittany L. Jersey (Morgan) of Swainsboro, Ariel L. Wise (John) of Brooklet, Taylor Radford (Sierra) of Statesboro, Alley L. Richmond (Matt) of Colorado Springs, Alaina Jewel Radford of Statesboro, Zane Lanier of Statesboro, Zander Lanier of Statesboro and Zoey Lanier of Statesboro; and nine great-grandchildren, Carly, Thorne, Ollie, Evie Jewel, Jaxon, Brianna, Winona, Zayden and Aceon.
Also surviving are his siblings, Robert Lanier of Portal, Edith Stanley of Ranson, West Virginia; and Dorothy Hershey (Charles) of Greenwood, South Carolina; many nieces, nephews and caregivers, Donna Lynn, Bertha, Destanee and Lyn; and many close friends, including his longtime friend and right-hand man, John Henry Mills.
The family will receive visitors Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home.
The funeral service will be held Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home with Pastor Thomas Hendrix officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Joey Woods, Billy Boggs, Vince Davis, Theron Anderson, Matt Clements and Frank Hardy.
Honorary pallbearers will be the members, deacons and trustees of Oak Grove Baptist Church and the current and former employees of Lanier’s IGA.
Larry Lanier lived his life by serving others: his family, his church, his customers, his community and those who simply needed a helping hand. His influence can be seen throughout the community he loved, and his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.
Memorial contributions may be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church, 2285 Oak Grove Church Road, Portal, Georgia 30450.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of the arrangements.
Statesboro Herald, October 6, 2026
Sign the Legacy online guestbook at www.statesboroherald.com.