James Sidney Lanier

James Sidney Lanier, 75, of Montezuma, GA, was born at home, September 28, 1939, in Candler County, GA, to the late J.C. and Juanita Lanier. Mr. Lanier grew up in Metter, GA, and graduated from Metter High School in 1957. He attended Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College and graduated from The University of Georgia with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Agriculture.

He married his wife of fifty three years, Elaine Williams Lanier, in 1961 and moved to Montezuma, and they have resided in Montezuma since 1963. Mr. Lanier was employed with Southern Frozen Foods for ten years before forming Sidney Lanier Farms, LLC. He along with his wife, Elaine, have owned and operated the family business since 1973.

Sidney Lanier was a master of his skill and profession. He began Sidney Lanier Pecans, LLC with one small orchard and a prayer. With the support of his family, especially his wife, he grew one orchard into a recognized business among southeastern agriculture. He was a visionary in his craft, always looking to better his product and technique. He was the first in Macon County to successfully transplant mature trees which produced a fruitful harvest. Likewise, he began shipping pecans to other countries like China and Germany long before the trade was growing in popularity. Last week Sidney Lanier completed the planting of a new orchard of trees for the future. He was very modest of his gift and talent, but he has been recognized by many for his accomplishments. In 2008 Mr. Lanier was awarded the distinction of Southeastern Pecan Grower of the Year. He was a Board member of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association and a member of the Southeastern Pecan Growers Association.

Mr. Lanier was a member of The First Baptist Church of Montezuma where he served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Department Chairman, and he was currently a member of the Ralph Odom Sunday School Class. He was a past president of the Montezuma Lions Club, and he served his community as past president of the Georgia Farm Bureau and as a Macon County Tax Assessor. Mr. Lanier was also a member of Al Sihah Shrine Center in Macon, GA. He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, Valley of Macon and a member of Traveler's Rest Lodge # 65 F&AM in Montezuma.

James Sidney Lanier, went to be with his Lord and Savior after a brief illness on May 17, 2015, at the Coliseum Medical Center in Macon, GA. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, May 21, 2015, at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Montezuma. Rev. LaMon Brown will officiate at both services. The family will gather with friends in the social hall of the church immediately following the service. There will be a private family graveside service in Metter, GA.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine W. Lanier of Montezuma, GA, three daughters and their husbands, Lezlee and David Flanders of Baton Rouge, LA, Laura and Ty Kinslow of Americus, GA, and Lisa and Johnny Mitchell of Macon, GA, seven grandchildren, Sarah Lanier Flanders, David Spencer Flanders, Jr., Tyner Banks Kinslow, Kathleen Elaine Kinslow, John Thomas Mitchell, III, James Sidney Lanier Mitchell, and Mary Elaine Mitchell, a sister, June Lanier Rooks and her husband, Bill, of Augusta, GA; a brother, Ray Lanier and his wife, Sue, of Metter, GA and Cary, NC; and a number of nieces and nephews along with many lifelong friends and dedicated employees. Mr. Lanier was blessed with the companionship of his Labradoodle, Echo.

Mr. Lanier will lie in state at the Mathews Funeral Home in Albany, GA.

Those desiring may make contributions to the First Baptist Church of Montezuma c/o The Benevolent Fund, 207 North Dooly Street, Montezuma, GA, 31063.