Ardell Lanier

On Sunday, March 30th, Lexington lost a true pillar of the community, Ardell Lanier, family-man, business entrepreneur, and community leader.  A visionary before his time, Ardell, with the love of his life, Edna, founded Lanier Hardware in 1940, which has been an anchor of Uptown Lexington for 73 years.  Always giving of their time and selves, together they brought jobs and encouragement to individuals and families throughout the area.  Ardell was instrumental in founding the Uptown Lexington Program, Cancer Services, West Davidson Library, UMAR House, and most recently, the Davidson Prison Ministry.  He was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church, serving as a Trustee and in many other leadership roles.  Ardell took the lead in community organizations including the Lexington Civitan Club, The Edward C. Smith Civic Center, Lexington Memorial Hospital, and the J. Smith Young YMCA.  The quality of life for Lexington’s citizens was of upmost importance to him.  When approached to help with a project or new charity, he was always up for the challenge.  Ardell would do everything in his power to bring it to fruition.  Ardell was a devoted UNC Tarheel and Rams Club member for 65 years.  Known for his beautiful rose gardens, he was always sharing and surprising his friends and colleagues with lovely bouquets.  The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, April 5 at First United Methodist Church, by the Revs. Kelley Groce, Dr. Lee Dukes, III and Dr. Lee Jessup.  Entombment will follow at Forest Hill Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 8:00pm Friday at Lanier’s Hardware.  Mr. Lanier was born September 12, 1920 to Lawrence and Lessie Lanier of the Reeds Community.  His parents, and his brothers, Rudolph Lanier, Hoy Lanier, Gilmer Lanier, Bill Lanier, and Cliff Lanier, preceded him in death.  He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Edna Davis Lanier; his son, Gail Lanier and wife, Judy, his daughter, Ann Easter and husband, Olen, Jr; his grandchildren, Natalie Lanier Taylor and husband, Greg, Stan Lanier and wife, Molly, Stewart Lanier and wife, Sheri, Arianna Clark Lester and husband, Brady, and Newell Clark; his great grandchildren, Abigail and Grayson Taylor, Ali and Tate Lanier, Keilea, Holden, Mya, and Mason Lanier, Annika, Ashton, Brady Jr., and Brianna Lester, and Eleanor Clark; his brothers, Dallas Lanier and wife, Mildred, and Bruce Lanier, his sister, Betty Lanier Potts; his sister in law, Alyce Lanier; and numerous nieces and nephews.  The family asks that present and past Lanier Hardware employees meet in the Fellowship Hall prior to the service for special seating at the funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 310 South Main Street, Lexington NC 27292, Davidson Prison Ministry, PO Box 2131, Lexington NC 27293 or the charity of the donor’s choice.