Alfred Steve Lanier's Obituary
If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Alfred Steve Lanier. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Alfred was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant. Alfred was born in Rockford, Alabama. He was the son of Paul and Ressie Lanier. Alfred was raised in Dog River. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Alfred was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Alfred's personality throughout his life. Though Alfred was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Alfred was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Alfred worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Alfred was raised with one siblings. He had one younger brother, Floyd Lanier. Alfred and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another. For Alfred, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Alfred was also adept at details. Alfred was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Alfred was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Alfred cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On June 4, 1982 Alfred married Janie Kay Rowell at Zion Baptist Church of Mobile, Alabama. Compassionate and devoted, Alfred worked hard to make his new life partner happy. Harmony was important to Alfred and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Alfred was blessed with four children and two step children, two daughters, Michelle and Jennifer, two sons, Steve and Marcus, stepsons, Chuck and Chad. They were also blessed with ten grandchildren, Courtney, Ethan, Preston, Tyler, Lindsey, Chloe, Cara, Drew, Julia, and Connor. Alfred was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Alfred was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Alfred would listen before he would act. Taking his work seriously came naturally to Alfred, and he expected the same from those around him. Alfred was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Alfred was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Alfred handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was sales in the paper industries. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues. Blessed with a practical nature, Alfred was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. Alfred was in the Airforce and Airforce Resene. He was in the Sioux Saint Marie, Michigan. A methodical man, Alfred enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were fishing, bird hunting, cooking, bird watching, gardening, and a dog lover. Alfred was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Alfred was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included boating, golfing, and outdoor sports. Alfred also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Football. His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Alfred to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Alfred did his fair share of volunteer work. And he wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Alfred was a member of the Junior Civil Air Patrol. His high moral standards and traditional values served Alfred well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member Christ United Methodist Church. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could. Not only did Alfred enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included the beach in Europe. Alfred was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Briar, a English Setter, who was a best friend for 10 years. His family was rounded out by his pets, Hamilton, Sadie, Dixie, Suzie, Baxter, Bailey, and Mattie. Since it was easy for Alfred to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Alfred was ready when that day to retire finally came in 2000. His new life involved relocating to Mobile, Alabama. In retirement, he found new pleasure in eating breakfast with his brother, eating China Doll with his buddies every Thursday; annual Birdville reunion. Even in retirement, Alfred stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him. Alfred passed away on July 31, 2016 at at home in Mobile, Alabama. Alfred fought a brave battle against Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. He is survived by wife Janie, daughters Michelle and Jennifer, sons Steve and Marcus, stepsons Chuck and Chad, grandchildren Courtney, Ethan, Preston, Tyler, Lindsey, Chloe, Cara, Drew, Julia and Connor Services were held at Serenity Funeral Home. Alfred was laid to rest in Serenity Memorial Gardens. Alfred was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Alfred was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Alfred Steve Lanier.
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