Michael Jerry Lanier

Michael Jerry Lanier, 71, of Fort Smith, passed away Friday, March 25, 2016 in Fort Smith. He was born on Feb. 9, 1945 in Little Rock, Ark. to Frank and Ruth (Tyra) Lanier. He was retired Salesman for Gerber Products and General Mills. He was a veteran of the United States Army and a member of First Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Lanier. Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, 201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. Graveside service will be 4 p.m., Wednesday at Ironton Cemetery in Little Rock under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Ann Lanier; two daughters, Michelle Knight and husband, Keith of Springdale and Lisa Atwell and husband, Michael of Fort Smith; mother, Ruth Lanier of Little Rock; one sister, Wanda Kay Bartlett of Little Rock; two brothers, Carl and Franklin Lanier, both of Little Rock and three grandchildren: Grace, Catheranne and Ella. The family will visit with friends Tuesday evening at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. To place online tributes, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.