Our beloved John T. Lanier, Sr. entered into eternal rest on January 18, 2021. John leaves behind a legacy of excellence and unconditional love for his family, his fraternity, his friends and his Community. Although our hearts are heavy, we will always cherish, celebrate and remember his "heart of gold " and his dedication to service. John's life is a true testament to his lifelong commitment to his devoted wife, Joyce and his loving son, John, Jr. His journey of life is a reflection of all of the individuals, who were blessed by his warm smile and his generous spirit of love.

John's life story began on August 3, 1952 when Mrs. Leomia Woods Lanier and Mr. Willie Terry Lanier, Sr. welcomed their youngest child into their family. Growing up, John was blessed to have a sister, Barbara and two brothers, Willie, Jr. and Jerry. They were nurtured in a very loving home in Danville, Virginia where they were taught the valuable life lessons of hard work, determination, integrity and love. These life lessons continued to be the guiding principles of John's life and he instilled those same family values in his son and the hundreds of young men and women that he mentored. John was a deeply spiritual man who, as a youth, joined Loyal Baptist Church in Danville and later attended All Souls Presbyterian Church in Richmond.

From a very young age, John distinguished himself as a smart, kind and loving person. He was very studious, athletic and well known as a trailblazing tennis player. His keen intellect and athletic abilities were showcased at Virginia Commonwealth University. While attending VCU, John pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Gamma Chapter. This bold decision started John on his lifelong path of dedicated service to the community through his fraternity. He graduated from VCU in 1974 with a BS degree in Accounting and started his distinguished career at Reynolds Metals in Richmond.

John met the love of his life, Joyce Cooper in 1981, and they were joined in holy matrimony two years later. They were thrilled with the birth of their son, John, Jr. in 1986. John loved to spend time with his son and they bonded over all things sports, men's fashion and educational activities. Using his considerable accounting skills, John served as the PTA treasurer at John Jr.'s Elementary School, (AM Davis) and he volunteered to assist with anything John, Jr. was involved with. John had a passion for the Red Skins and looked forward to attending the games in person with his son and friends. They could be found watching the Red Skins practice at the Richmond Training Camp. Like father... like son ... they truly enjoyed just hanging out with each other.

John had many natural gifts, and talents, coupled with many hobbies, activities and adventures. He routinely took the whole family to U.S. Open Tennis Tournaments. John, an avid golfer and tennis player taught John Jr. how to play golf and tennis. He organized several golf tournaments and enjoyed going to PGA Tournaments with family and friends.

One of John’s favorite activities was sharing his love for tennis with their son. He helped John, Jr. develop his exceptional tennis skills and abilities at a young age. He became an accomplished junior tennis player and continues to be an outstanding tennis standout today. John and Joyce also enjoyed playing tennis together. Tennis was truly "A Family Affair" for the Laniers.

Always looking for new challenges and innovative ways to implement service to the community, John engaged himself with numerous leadership roles with Richmond Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Si Fraternity. He was instrumental in the development of outstanding programming and planning to uplift and empower young people. In 1974, John became a charter member of the Eta Xi Chapter. John served with distinction as the 23rd Eastern Province Polemarch and was honored to serve at the National level as Special Operating Assistant to the Grand Polemarch. John also earned numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding service. He attended many Kappa Conferences, Province Council Meetings and Grand Chapter Meetings. Regardless of whether the task of the Fraternity was on the Chapter, Eastern Province or Grand Chapter level, John was a warm and friendly "Kappa Man”, ready to lend a helping hand. John loved the "crimson and cream" and his footprint of positive change and service will remain an integral part of Kappa history.

Although John faced some health care concerns the last few years of his life, he never lost his zest for life. He thoroughly enjoyed tennis, golf and football with his friends.. John and Joyce loved to host and entertain family and friends in their home. Whether it was a big holiday celebration or a few friends gathered just to watch football games or tennis matches, John made everyone feel at home and welcomed (unless you were "politely" asked to leave for cheering for the wrong team) . John always had a wise piece of advice, some groundbreaking political insight or a "dry" joke to keep you entertained and engaged. He was all about the fellowship, the delicious food (that Joyce cooked) and the fun he shared with his family and friends.

Predeceased by his parents and brother, Willie T. Lanier, Jr., he leaves to cherish his legacy his loving wife, Joyce Cooper Lanier and devoted son, John T. Lanier, Jr.; sister, Barbara M. Younger (Joseph) of Danville, VA; brother, Jerry L. Lanier of Winston Salem, NC; brother-in-law, Freddie Cooper (Cheryl) of Wilmington, NC; nephew, Freeman Cooper of Greensboro NC; cousin, Willie Lanier (Barbara) of Richmond, VA; life-long childhood friends, Harvey Graves and Alexander Owens, lll (Pat); his dedicated healthcare companion, Antoinette Rhoades; his fraternity brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Incorporated and a host of other family members and friends.

John's presence was our gift ... and he will surely be missed by all who knew and loved him. He touched our souls deeply and will always remain in our hearts.

Services have been entrusted to Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E Brookland Park Blvd., Richmond, Virginia 23222 In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Memory of John T. Lanier to: RAC Kappa Scholarship Endowment Fund, C/O Carl Granderson, 6058 Pond Grass Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111