Pearlie Joseph (Joe) Lanier, 91, of Wilmington, passed gently from his earthly life Wednesday, December 25, 2019, at his home surrounded with love by his family.

He was born March 2, 1928, in Duplin County, the second of eight children of Admah and Ada Mae Everett Lanier.  In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Rose Marie Decker Lanier (Rosie); his brothers Admah Lanier and wife Maebell, Herbert Lanier and wife Estelle, and Cal Lanier; and brother-in-law Robert Knowles.

Joe is survived by his sisters Marie Knowles of Burgaw and Mary Ann Howard (Hubert) of Magnolia; his brothers Billy Ray Lanier (Leathia) of Hampstead and Robert Lanier (Joyce) of Wilmington; sister-in-law, Carol Lanier of Castle Hayne; and many nieces, nephews and extended family, all who loved Joe.

Joe, along with his siblings, was raised in Magnolia, NC.  He was baptized in Beaver Dam Creek at a young age and became a member of Oak Vale Baptist Church.  He graduated from Magnolia High School and worked several years for the US Postal Service.

In 1951 Joe was inducted into the US Army where he served his country honorably and proudly.  His Army assignment took him to Colorado in 1952, and this is where he met the love of his life, Rosie, a native of Colorado Springs, whom he married 1953.  The couple lived in Colorado and Arizona until her passing in 2017.

Joe will be remembered as a man of integrity and generosity.  He loved his family, was hard-working, caring, and kind-hearted.  He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2020, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel with Joe's nephew, Rev. David Knowles, conducting the service. Following the service there will be a time of fellowship and sharing of special memories.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall.

A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.