Richard Ivy Lanier

Richard Ivy Lanier, 101, passed away May 1, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida at St. Vincents Riverside Hospice. Richard was born on September 23, 1916 to the late Robert Courtland Lanier and Lillie Lanier. He married Mary Evelyn Blalock Lanier on August 20, 1945 and where married for 73 years. He worked and retired from Joe Blake Automotive.

Richard was a member of Edgewood Heights Baptist Church for 59 years, where he served as Deacon. He was a 33 Degree Mason in Scottish Rite; a Member of Stafford Caldwell Masonic Lodge, where he was Past Master and Past High Priest. He also was Past High Priest of Florida and Past District Deputy of Florida. Past Commander of York Rite of Jacksonville.

 He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Courtland Lanier; mother, Lillie Edenfield Lanier; and sister, Lucille Lanier.

 Richard is survived by his wife, Mary Evelyn Lanier; daughter, Iva J. Keyworth (Scott Keyworth); son, Richard Gordon Lanier (Leslie); one granddaughter, Jessica Mortimer; and three great-grandchildren, Athena, Arabella, and Isaac Mortimer.

He will be remembered for his great stories and all his poems. He wrote two books of poetry and recited them by memory.  Dad did not have any enemies because he out lived them all.  He loved his wife Evelyn dearly. He was stubborn and I believe this contributed to his long life. Dad loved animals, collard greens and corn bread. He did not like Gospel Bird (chicken). Daddy had a poem about Old Age he must have known that is what would take him.

His family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 with a memorial service following on Saturday, May 12, 20185 at 2:00pm at Scottish Rite Temple, 965 Hubbard Street, Jacksonville, FL. 32206.