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Obituary For Lanor Smith
Lanor Smith, 65, passed on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 in Mooresville, NC.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. EST on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at St. John AME Church, Ft. Mitchell, AL with Rev. Gerard Blanding, Sr., officiating. Burial to follow in the church cemetery.
Lanor Smith, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025, in Mooresville, North Carolina, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on February 6, 1960, to Preston Smith, Sr. and Eddie Lee Lewis Smith. Lanor's life was a testament to devotion, excellence, and quiet strength.
A proud graduate of Mt. Olive High School, Lanor was the Salutatorian of the Class of 1978. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from Tuskegee University in 1982, where he was a cherished member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Gamma Epsilon – Lighthouse Chapter. His early career began with the Phenix City Police Department, but his passion for technology led him to Northern Virginia in 1984, where he joined the Student Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae).
Lanor's professional journey flourished in telecommunications, with leadership roles at SBS, Cable and Wireless, and Sprint. Ultimately, he answered a higher calling to serve his country, becoming the Senior Program Manager of Telecommunications for the Central Intelligence Agency—a position he held with distinction for 28 years until his retirement in 2022.
On September 5, 1987, Lanor married the love of his life, Diane Wynn Smith. Together they built a home filled with laughter, faith, and enduring love. He was a proud and devoted father to Jordon Danielle Smith and Preston Lanor Smith, Mooresville, NC.
Lanor is survived by his siblings, Bettye J. Lewis Maye of McCalla, Alabama, and Preston Smith, Jr. (Peggy) of Greenville, South Carolina; his aunts, Mattie Lewis Ford (Carey Ford) and Dorothy Jones; his uncle, Colonel James Henry Harvey, III; and his in-law family: Karen Eileen Jackson (Eupton), Melvin Earl Wynn (Jayne), and Brian Charles Wynn (Katie). He also leaves behind a beautiful multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Lanor's passions were as vibrant as his spirit—he found joy in college football, classic cars, gardening, volunteering and the timeless music of Luther Vandross. His presence was steady, his humor gentle, and his love deep. He was the kind of man whose quiet wisdom and generous heart left a lasting imprint on everyone he met.
Though Lanor has departed this earthly life, the hole he leaves in our hearts is filled with gratitude for the time we shared, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he so dearly loved.
One of his favorite scriptures:
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
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Condolences & Tributes
Add A CondolenceI was truly blessed to have known Lanor. His wisdom, generosity, and presence enriched the lives of all who crossed his path. I had the privilege of working alongside him at Sprint and Cable & Wireless, and I remain eternally grateful for his guidance. May the Supreme Architect of the Universe watch over his soul and grant comfort to all who grieve his passing.
Im so sorry to learn of Lanors' passing. Please accept my condolences. I may him when he was working in northern Virginia. He would often share his poetry with me, and tell of the life he wanted for himself in the future. Im so grateful God blessed him to have such a rich and blessed life! To God be the glory!
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Thinking of all the family is this time of saddening feelings. Wishes of peace and comfort for everyone. Greg
The family of James H. Harvey III sends our condolences. Lenor will be truly missed. May God bless and comfort you during this difficult time.
Love you Diane. Uncle Jimmy, Ron Green and Alysyn Harvey-Green
My deepest and heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Family of Lanor Smith. I was afforded the blessing of acquaintance years ago with Lanor....a gentle and kind soul. May his loving spirit forever live in the hearts of those who loved and cherished him. God bless.
Diane, our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Jordan, Preston Lanor and family. We pray that you and the kids will find peace and comfort in the coming days. Lanor was a great cousin; we grew up together and lot of fun times. He will truly be missed. Love you guys. Yvonne Lewis Mazyck & Family
Our thoughts & prayers are with you & the Smith Family. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 NIV ~Pastor Rufus & Jerri Meyers 🙏🏾🦋
My Condolences goes out to the family in a difficult time like this
To the family, I want to share my families Condolences. Hearing the news of his transition hit me hard. Lanor was like my brother. I have known him since Kindergarten and we have been in each other's life since then. I was in his wedding and he was best man at mines. We were neighbors in Maryland. Lanor was truly an example of manhood, integrity, and faith. He was an outstanding family man and friend. He will be missed. Diane, you know if you ever need anything I will be there. Love Thomas and Ouida.
I remember Lanor from Holy Trinity and Mt Olive HS. There was something noble and humble about him that stood out. You could just tell he was destined for greatness. At Mt Olive he carried himself in an upright manner. We looked up to him and I just hate that I never got the chance to tell him that we younger ones noticed. Take your proper rest thy servant. 🙏🏾
Our thoughts and prayers are with Lanor's family during this difficult time. I remember Lanor from my days at St. Joseph Catholic School, and the continued connection occasionally over the years through other family members and most recently last year in August at his school's class reunion, MOHS Class of 78', along with his classmates and my husband, Reginald. It was a beautiful time and opportunity to reconnect. As the class continues to meet and fellowship in years to come, Lanor's presence will be greatly missed. Rest well Lanor! Respectfully, Reginald (class of 78), Deneen Thornton - & D'Andre Hill, Phenix City, AL.
To my family I am so sorry to hear of my cousin passing, my prayers and condolences 🙏 goes out to the family may the Lord continue to comfort you all.
At this difficult time in your life, we pray that God will grant you the peace that you need to get through this. Sincere condolences! Lanor was a true Gentleman. R.I.P my brother.
Ihavethefamilyinmyprayetandoneofhisschoolmatesfromstjjosephschoollovealwayremeberedhim
To Diane, Jordon, Preston And The Entire Smith Family. I Offer My Sincere Condolences To You At The Loss Of Your Loved One Lanor. Lanor Was My First Friend At St. Joseph Elementary School In Holy Trinity, AL. And That Remained Until Our Paths Took Different Directions Throughout Our Lives. I Always Remembered Him In My Thoughts And Prayers Through The Years, My Friend. I Pray That The HOLY SPIRIT Will Continue To Comfort You All During This Most Difficult Time. Rest In Paradise My Friend. You Will Be Missed.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
