Tommy Lewis Lanier

Tommy Lewis Lanier, born on August 6, 1941, in Bastrop, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in Bryan, Texas, on December 23, 2025, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was 84 years old.

Mr. Lanier began his illustrious career as a carpenter, working alongside his stepfather in the homebuilding industry from 1960 until 1977. In 1977, he relocated his family from Benton, Arkansas, to Bryan, Texas, where he embarked on a new journey as a cable installer with Midwest Video. Two years later, in 1979, he transitioned to GTE (General Telephone and Electronics Corporation), later known as Verizon Communications, where he served as a cable splicer until his retirement in 2008.

Throughout his life, Tommy created a treasure trove of cherished memories with his loved ones. He particularly enjoyed spending moments on Salado Creek in Arkansas with his brother-in-law, Buddy. One especially memorable night early in his marriage involved a heartwarming drive on a moonlit Christmas Eve, stopping to assist a fellow traveler before reaching their destination safely. He reveled in father-daughter fishing tournaments and was an avid slalom water skier during his youth. Summer vacations at the lake with his grandchildren were filled with joyous fishing days and exhilarating moments pulling them on skis or inflatable rafts.

Tommy's grandchildren recall countless delightful experiences, including a humorous incident when he fell out of his bass boat while trying to untangle a fishing line. He cherished his time spent with his dogs and nurtured his interests in deer season alongside fellow GTE co-workers at the deer camp. For ten consecutive years, he created lasting memories vacationing at the Lodge on Lake DeGray, golfing and fishing with his brother-in-law while the ladies indulged in shopping. One unforgettable trip involved sharing a cozy extra-large one-bedroom hotel room with three full-sized beds, leading to a night full of laughter. Post-retirement, he embraced the joy of travel, exploring various destinations on both the East and West coasts with his beloved wife, H. Sue Lanier.

Educationally, Tommy laid a solid foundation at Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, Tennessee, followed by attendance at Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Missouri, and Hall High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. He furthered his education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, culminating in his attendance at an electronics trade school from 1975 to 1976, graduating at the top of his class.

Tommy was known among family and friends as a devoted and loving family man. He cared deeply for his wife, H. Sue Lanier, with whom he celebrated 65 wonderful years of marriage in October 2025. His children, Susan Lanier Williams, along with grandchildren Christopher Morris, Caitlin Morris, and Justin Williams, remember him as a pillar of support who was always ready to assist without being asked. His grandsons viewed him as caring, generous, and knowledgeable, while his granddaughter appreciated his tough, no-nonsense demeanor paired with a gentle side. Tommy was a constant presence at his grandchildren's soccer, basketball, and football games, school band concerts, and scouting events, always ready to transport them with enthusiasm.

Tommy had a variety of interests and hobbies. He enjoyed quality family time, fishing off and on the lake, maintaining his home's lawn and landscape, and piddling in his garage/shop. Weekly golf outings with his buddies were a highlight of his week. An eclectic music lover, Tommy drew enjoyment from ScFi movies influencing his family's tastes along the way.

An honorable man, Mr. Lanier proudly served in the Air National Guard for six years, earning respect for carrying the flag during notable events. His legacy includes memories of playing the coronet in the Missouri Military Academy band, which had the honor of participating in President Dwight Eisenhower's inaugural parade amid frigid conditions.

Tommy’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of many. He is survived by his beloved wife, H. Sue Lanier; daughter, Susan Lanier Williams; grandchildren, Christopher Morris, Caitlin Morris, and Justin Williams; sister, Wanda Linsley and her husband Pat of Bryant, AR; sister, DeDe Hocutt and her husband Doug of Conway, AR; aunt, Joyce Files of Monroe, LA; sister-in-law, Ina Ruth Reed of Concord, AR; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Sheri Lanier-Morris; mother, Mary Lou Outletta; stepfather, Charlie; father, Kenneth Lanier; in-laws, Helen and Millard Burress; brother-in-law, Buddy Burress and his wife Annette; sisters-in-law, Avinell Wheeler and Betty Coots; nephews Lance Burress, Greg Burress, Ronnie Wheeler, and Mark Coots; and beloved pets, Fella, Charlie, Bubba, Trouble, Jack, and Lola.

Visitation will take place on January 2, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home And Crematory in Bryan, Texas, followed by the funeral service from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

The memory of Tommy Lewis Lanier will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, as they celebrate a life that was rich in love, laughter, and family.