Funeral services for Sidney Leo Lanier, Jr., age 88, of Wedowee will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Wedowee First United Methodist Church with Rev. Todd Noren-Hentz officiating.  Burial will follow at Wedowee City Cemetery with Benefield Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00-8:00 PM on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.  Col. Lanier will lie in state at the church for one hour prior to services beginning on Thursday.

Col. Lanier passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Tanner-East Alabama Medical Center in Wedowee.

Survivors include: three daughters, Mary Ann Lanier, Jo Elizabeth Lanier, and Laura Lea Alonso; six grandchildren, Lorenzo Alonso, Louis Alonso, Lazarus Alonso, Leo Alonso, Lucy Nell Alonso, and Louisa Alonso (Ginger); and two brothers, Samuel Lanier and Stan Lanier.

Pallbearers will be members of the Wedowee Kiwanis Club.

Born on March 10, 1938, Col. Lanier is the son of Sidney L. Lanier, Sr., and Willie Elzenia Cadenhead Lanier.  He was a member of the Wedowee First United Methodist Church and was a 30-year United States Air Force veteran of the Vietnam and Desert Storm/Shield conflicts.  He was a member of the Wedowee Kiwanis Club and former governor of Alabama Kiwanis.  Col. Lanier was also a member of the Randolph County Auburn Club and the East Alabama Arts Society.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jo Ann Lanier; and one sister, Sandra Broadus.

Memorials may be floral or donations may be made to the Wedowee First United Methodist Church building fund.