Malvin LeGrande Lanier

Malvin LeGrande Lanier, 90, of South Chesterfield, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hinton and Ethel Lanier; his daughter, Renee Williamson; his sister, Joyce Daulton; and his brother, Earnest "Danny" Lanier.

Malvin grew up on a farm in Chesterfield County. He enjoyed farming through most of his life, growing his first crop of tobacco at age 16. He had many crops of corn and soybeans as well, and raised hogs, and cured the meat with hickory smoke. He also enjoyed hunting.

He graduated from Petersburg High School in 1951. Malvin volunteered for the Army in January 1955, during the Korean War and was stationed at Fort Jackson, SC. He married Dorothy Wawner on July 18, 1955, and 10 days later was deployed for military service in Germany. Malvin served in Germany for 18 months and was promoted to corporal. Soon after he was discharged, he worked for Norfolk and Western Railroad. He soon obtained a position as an operator with Dupont and retired after 32 years. He was a member of American Legion Post 141.

He attended Ettrick United Methodist Church as a child and for much of his adult life. He taught Sunday School for many years and was honored in 2000 with an Ettrick United Methodist Church Barnabas Award for "encouraging others in faith". In 2002, Malvin and Dorothy joined Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Colonial Heights, where Malvin served as a deacon.

During his life Malvin enjoyed buying and selling classic cars. He also enjoyed buying and selling antiques. A highlight for him was spending time with friends and family. He loved when he was able to get others to laugh. He was a long term member of the POGO's.

Even as his health declined many who met him remarked at how much they enjoyed knowing him and appreciated his ability to brighten their day.

Malvin is survived by his loving wife of 69 ½ years, Dorothy Lanier; sons, Keith Lanier (Richard Lipscomb) and Allen Lanier; granddaughters, Michelle Lanier and Brandy Williamson-Rudzinski (Matt Rudzinski); grandson, Jacob Williamson; and a host of extended family members and friends.

The family will receive friends on Monday, March 3, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 3110 Greenwood Avenue, Colonial Heights, where a service will be held at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place immediately following the service at Blandford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Heart Association (heart.org or 7272 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 76231) and/or the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (https://autisticadvocacy.org/ or P.O. Box 66122, Washington, DC 20035).