Mr. Felix Lanier, Jr., affectionately known by his relatives and friends as "Sonnieboy" answered God's call on Monday, May 12, 2008 at Huntsville Hospital.
The youngest of four siblings, he was born on December 2, 1946 to Felix, Sr. and Georgia Lanier. He was preceded in death by his oldest brother Thomas "T.J." Lanier.
Felix was a 1966 graduate of William Hooper Councill High School. Upon graduation, he completed two years of education at Alabama A & M University, Normal, Alabama. Later he enrolled at Powell Beauty College in Chicago, Illinois to pursue a degree in Cosmetology. Upon his return to Huntsville, Felix graduated from J. F. Drake State Techincal College with a degree in Cosmetology. Shortly after receiving his degree, he returned to Drake where he also received a degree in Welding.
His concern for people and equal opportunity ignited his passion to become an activist during the Civil Rights Movement.
He accepted Christ at an early age and joined Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Sam Whitman where he served as a faithful member of the Usher Board. He rededicated his life back to Christ in 1997 under the direction of the Reverend Dr. Wayne Snodgrass. He read his bible regiously, was biblically astute, and prayed faithfully for all his loved ones.
During his life, Felix worked at Atlanta Life Insurance Company, General Motors, and Teledyne Wah Chang. Because of his generous nature, he also performed other tasks for family and friends.
For many years, Felix lovingly and diligently attended to the needs of his mother and father while never complaining. There was no task to big or too small. His parents will always remember his as a loving, respectful and caring son. They recall how he would keep the house spotless inside and out; how he would unselfishly prepare breakfast every morning and most or all how he would make delicious cornbread for Sunday dinner.
To friends and family, Felix was charming, mischievous, and temperamental. In his leisure time he enjoyed playing ping pong, pool and watching tennis. But most of all, he enjoyed fishing with his best friend, Charles Dickerson.
Missing him and at the same time thanking God for his life are his parents, Felix, Sr. and Georgia Lanier; a daughter, Delene Lanier-Parker and her husband Franklin Parker; two grandsons, Kyle and Josiah Parker; one brother, Everett Lanier, Sr.; one sister, Mary Lanier Curry; one sister-in-law, Essie Lanier, Sheffield, Alabama; one uncle, Jerry Lanier and many special relatives and friends.
Funeral service for Mr. Felix Lanier, Jr. will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 17, 2008 from the Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Arthur Green officiating. Interment will be in Meadowlawn Garden of Peace. The remains of Mr. Lanier will be in the church one hour prior to funeral time.