Roland Van Lanier, Sr.

Roland Van Lanier, Sr., a devoted patriarch and retired accountant, passed away on January 14, 2024, at Morningside Assisted Living in Gastonia, North Carolina.  He was born on September 22, 1925, in Denton, North Carolina, to Dock Van Lanier and Nannie Carrick Lanier, and grew up in the Durham/Morrisville, North Carolina area.  In addition to his wife Faye, Roland is predeceased by his parents; siblings Johnie P. Lanier, Chinnis D. Lanier, Virginia Dare Lanier, Charlotte L. Dellinger, Pearl L. Fowler, and Hattie Lee L. Nolan; and grandson, David G. Rhinehart.

Roland shared a beautiful life journey with his beloved wife, Faye Weisner Lanier, for an incredible 78 years until her passing on January 3rd, 2024.  Their enduring love and unconditional support were the foundation of their family's happiness.  Roland and Faye were blessed with two sons - R. Vann Lanier Jr and David Samuel Lanier - who both found strength and guidance in their parents' unwavering love throughout their lives.  They will forever cherish the memories they made as a family.  Faith and family were the most important aspects of growing up in the Lanier household.  In addition to being a devoted father, Roland was also a proud and attentive grandfather and great-grandfather.  His grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in his heart and brought him immeasurable joy.  They, as well as their parents, all basked in the generosity of his love, laughter, and warm hugs.

A man of service and dedication, Roland proudly served our country during WWII in the United States Navy on a destroyer escort (USS Stafford DE411) in the Pacific conflicts.  His commitment to his country was emblematic of his strong character and selflessness.  After his honorable military service, Roland went on to build a successful career as an accountant with Public Service Gas Company for over 46 years.  Roland’s service leadership left a lasting impact on those with whom he worked.  As a member of West Avenue Presbyterian Church for nearly 60 years, he was very active serving in many capacities.  His faithful years as an elder and Sunday school teacher, as well as his work with the Presbytery, are a few examples of his strong faith and commitment to his Lord.  He was involved for many years with the Civitan Club of Gastonia and the Gaston Cancer Society, serving many roles, including President and Board Chair. 

Roland's sense of humor, laughter, and warm presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.  His legacy as a devoted husband, loving father, and adoring grandfather and great-grandfather will live on in the hearts and minds of his surviving family and friends.  Left to cherish his memory is his devoted family, R. Vann Lanier, Jr and wife Sharon, David Samuel Lanier and wife Lucy; grandchildren, Chrissy Lanier Wright and husband Wes, Matthew R. Lanier, granddaughter-in-law, Tonya Rhinehart; great-grandchildren, Sarah, Rachel, Preston, Morgan, and Brittany; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

In honor of Roland’s memory, his family kindly requests that donations be made to a local charity, such as the Sleep in Heavenly Peace-NC-Belmont, 5066 Marci Lane, Belmont, NC 28012, or Cancer Services of Gaston County, 306 South Columbia Street, Gastonia, NC 28054, honoring his life-long passion for making sacrifices and being a positive influence in the lives of others.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to the dedicated staff at Morningside Assisted Living and Gaston Hospice for their great compassion in caring for Roland.

As we mourn the loss of Roland Van Lanier, Sr., let us also celebrate the incredible life he led and the profound impact he had on all those fortunate enough to know him.  May his memory and his faith be a source of inspiration and comfort to us all.  A memorial service to honor Roland and Faye will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Belmont, NC on January 27, 2024, at 1:00, with Reverend Samuel P. Warner and Reverend Dr. David J. Bailey officiating.  The family will receive friends in the church Gathering Area following the service.  Interment will be held in the Memorial Garden and Columbarium at Triangle Grace Church in Durham, NC on February 2, 2024, at 1:00, with Reverend Ray Cobb officiating.

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com