NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Harvey Spencer Lanier, age 86, of Winnabow, NC passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2025 in Wilmington, NC.
Spencer was born on March 19, 1939, in New Hanover County, NC, the son of the late Harvey and Eva Lanier. He grew up on Rock Creek Road in Winnabow, eventually building his home and raising his family on the same piece of land where he was born.
Spencer was a provider. At a very early age, due to family health issues, he was thrust into the position of heading up his childhood household. He built a home for his parents, sister, uncle and himself to live in, allowing them to move out of the old “shack” where they were living. Spencer married the love of his life, Linda Benton Lanier, in 1962 and shortly thereafter started his family. He loved to reminisce about growing up on a small farm with no running water, an outhouse and lean times.
Spencer owned his own business for nearly 30 years, raised three sons and provided in ways he probably never thought possible as a child. He and his wife loved to travel in their motorhome and they rarely missed watching NASCAR racing on Sunday afternoons. Spencer was a proud grandfather of 6 and would brag on them to whoever would listen.
In addition to his parents, Spencer was predeceased by Linda, his wife of 61 years. Survivors include three sons: Marty Lanier and wife, Cyndi of Winnabow, Mike Lanier and wife, Lisa of Winnabow and Mitch Lanier and wife, Amber of Winnabow; six grandchildren: Parker Lanier, Jonathan Lanier, Amanda Lynch (Logan), Patsy Lanier, Sara Lanier and Fletcher Lanier, and a sister, Nancy Bell (Mack).
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 or to Lower Cape Fear Lifecare, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401.
