Clifford Zannie Lanier passed away on, March 16; 2010, in Smyrna, Georgia. He was 91. He was preceded in death by his wife, the love of his life, for 67 years, Vivian Kathleen Lanier, known by family and friends as Kitty, Clifford was born in Decatur; Georgia where he and Kitty started their family. Later in 1954 they moved to Florida to raise their six children. Although they traveled throughout his career; he and Kitty chose Jacksonville Beach, Florida as their retirement home. Clifford served in the U. S. Army in World War II at the Battle of the Bulge. His joy of life was flying in his plane among the clouds; swinging his clubs on the golf course, and watching his family grow. He was known as a caring, loving; and giving person. He never met a stranger. Survivors include his children; son and daughter-in-law, Clifford and Katherine "Cookie" Lanier; daughters and sons-in-law, Claudy "Connie" and Donald Green, Tresy and Darryl Knapps, Joyce and Ken Tapp, Dolly Lanier and Keith Joyce, Debbie and Jimmy Thornton; nineteen grandchildren; twenty-seven great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins far and between. The funeral service will be held in the chapel of A. S. Turner & Sons at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 20, 2010. In memory of Clifford Z. Lanier, the family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family will received family and friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, March 19, 2010.
