Obituary of Gerald Wallace Lanier

Gerald Wallace Lanier “Blackie”, 87, passed away Thursday November 23, 2023. Born August 12, 1936, in Forestburg, Texas, he was the youngest child of Wilson and Cleo Lanier.

He graduated from Forestburg ISD in 1954 then served in the Army from 1959 to 1965; two years of which he was stationed in Germany where Cleo came to live with him. After returning home to Forestburg, he put his salesmanship to work and ventured into the cattle business. He would often say he never worked a day in his life, as buying/selling/trading was what he enjoyed most. Gerald was known for his love of a cold beer, ornery and stubborn ways, and the pride he took with his reputation as a trusted cattleman.

In honoring his wishes to keep it simple, the family will host a come and go celebration of life, Wednesday, November 29th at the Forestburg Community Center from 11:00 a.m.to 1:00 p.m.

Gerald is preceded in death by his son, Jeff; brother, Gene; parents, Wilson and Cleo.

He is survived by his daughter, McKenzie Holley, husband Floyd and their sons, Adrian Lanier and Braxton Holley of Wichita Falls; son, Tracy Lanier, wife Wendy and their sons, Stetson, Kash and Rowdy Lanier of Forestburg; son, John Wallace “Wally” Lanier of Forestburg and granddaughter Skye Thomas; granddaughters Whitney Fountain, Chelsea Miller and Kaitlyn Klyce; sister, Jeanette Montgomery and husband Charles of Greenwood, as well as a handful of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.