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Obituary For Louis Laney III
ATLANTA - In a world where some step in quietly, Louis Laney III, affectionately known as Big Lou and Chucky, was never one of those. His booming voice, infectious laughter, and larger-than-life personality echoed through every room, turning heads and sparking smiles. As the eldest sibling/cousin, the unofficial family commander, Louis was a force of nature. He made his presence known everywhere he went. In truth, those who knew him wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Born on July 3, 1956, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Louis Laney Jr. and Katherine Laney, Louis embraced life with open arms. A proud 1974 graduate of South High School, he kicked off his career at U.S. Steel. Louis grew into a man who valued hard work, family, laughter, and loyalty. Life whisked him from Youngstown to Columbus and finally to Atlanta, where he landed at Delta Air Lines, retiring in 2007 and leaving behind a legacy of dedication in the skies.
Louis was a man of faith, finding his home at Olivet Missionary Baptist Church under Elder William Homes Robinson, where he was baptized and united in the works of ministry at the church in 1992.
Life’s simple pleasures filled Louis' heart such as traveling, cheering for Ohio sports teams like the Browns & the Cavs, jamming to good music, sharing laughs over poker games with friends and trying to figure out the latest Apple gadgets. Louis had a way with words, always starting with, “Sooo…”- “which usually meant advice was coming, a story was unloading, or somebody was about to get lovingly corrected.
Celebrating Louis means cherishing the endless laughter, the shared wisdom, and that unmistakable voice filled with love. Family was his greatest treasure, a legacy reflected in the bonds he forged with his brothers, Lorne (Alisa) Laney and Lamar Laney, his sister Kim Laney, his daughter Retha (Archie) Hill, and his beloved grandsons, Derrick “DJ,” Ryan, and Braydon- each bringing him pride and joy, like stars shining in his sky.
Louis passed away on April 29, 2026, in Memphis TN and was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and his brother Larry Laney. A life like Louis cannot be measured only by time, but by the memories he leaves in all of us. If he were here right now, he’d probably clear his throat and say, “Sooo… what y’all doing now?”
Let us gather to keep the essence of Louis alive and vibrant, sharing loving memories- the greatest gift he left in our hearts. We celebrate more than the years Louis lived. We celebrate the laughs, the stories, the wisdom, the voice, the music, the card games, the sports debates and the love he gave in his own unforgettable way.
Join us as we honor and honor the life of Louis on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The public viewing will begin at Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave., at 10:00 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am with Apostle Justin Burnett, Standing in the Gap Ministries serving as the celebrant.
Additionally, there will be an 11:00 am Memorial Service on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, 877 Hyw-314 N, Fayetteville, Ga where his extended family and friends will gather to honor his life, laughter, and legacy.
After a committal ceremony, Louis will ultimately be laid to rest with his mother among the meadows of Tod Homestead Cemetery, 2200 Belmont Ave., Youngstown.
At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Louis Laney III elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.
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Carla Foster planted 5 trees in memory of Louis Laney III . - May 25, 2026
Shirley Nichols sent The Peace Lily for Louis Laney III - May 21, 2026
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My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who knew and loved "Mr. Louis" (as we called him here at EssilorLuxottica. What a kind, thoughtful and funny man. My heart breaks for your loss but celebrates for his triumph. Soar high, my friend!!
My condolences to the Laney family no more pain my friend rest well peace and love
My prayers go out to the family of Brother Louis. Louis and I, always enjoyed a good conversation at EssilorLuxiotta. Rest in peace my friend. You will be missed! William Benifield and family.
Condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of this truly remarkable man. Louis, affectionately known to many of us as "Mr. Louis," came to EssilorLuxottica four years ago and quickly became someone we all respected, admired, and loved.
He was kind to everyone he encountered. He poured wisdom into our young men about life, love, responsibility, and family. He treated every woman with dignity, kindness, and respect — a true gentleman in every sense of the word.
So many of us looked forward to seeing him each day. He remembered the little things about people — your mother, your father, your children — and would always ask about them with genuine care and concern. That was the kind of man he was.
Mr. Louis was also our spokesperson, our voice. Whenever he attended meetings, people wanted to be there because he spoke with knowledge, professionalism, courage, and eloquence. He was never afraid to ask the hard questions if it meant helping others. Even management knew when Mr. Louis walked into the room, meaningful conversations were about to happen.
His presence brought comfort, wisdom, strength, and unity to so many of us. He will be deeply missed beyond words.
Rest peacefully, Mr. Louis. God bless your soul, and may you forever rest in peace.
Louis was a wonderful man, such a gentleman, with great laughter and kindness. Losing a good friend is not easy and Louis was a true friend. I will miss our phone calls and hearing his deep kind voice, laughter and jokes. My sincere condolences and prayers to the family dung this time of loss, may the memories you share bring you comfort and peace
Though our friendship occupied a relatively short span of our lives, it felt as if Louis and I knew each other for a lifetime. This was a camaraderie cut short too soon. Whether times were good or bad, we always knew whenever an open heart, a good meal, rest and relief or an attentive ear was in need, it could be found in each other's presence. My sincere condolences go out to out to his family and all who loved Louis "Big Lou" Laney.
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Louis I will never forget the fun and laughter we had at South High School. I am praying for your family! 🙏🏾
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
