Kelly B Lanier

SHELBY-Born on October 18, 1945, in Boiling Springs, NC, Kelly B. Lanier bid farewell to this world on June 25, 2025, in Shelby, NC, at the grand age of 79.

Kelly was truly one-of-a-kind—a man whose humor could light up any room and whose sage advice made everyone feel they were listening to a prophet in disguise. Lovingly known as "The Bishop," he often joked that he knew all the angles in heaven. Armed with a quick wit and an infinite supply of jokes, Kelly could make even the most stoic among us chuckle.

Kelly dedicated 42 years of his life as a Fixer at PPG, where he undoubtedly fixed more than just machines. With a personality that could mend any broken spirit, he left no cog unturned, no gear unfixed, and certainly no person without a smile.

A lover of literature, particularly the Bible, never missed a morning reading God's word and praying for his family. Kelly never missed an opportunity to immerse himself in a Western, especially his favorite, Gunsmoke. He was a revered member of Macedonian Baptist Church in Kingstown, NC.

Kelly is preceded in heavenly rest by his parents, Andy Thompson and Mary Lanier Degree; his son, Gene Christopher Lenair; his brother, Jimmy Degree; and two sons-in-law, Gregory and Derrick Russell. Likely they're all sharing a heavenly laugh right now.

He leaves behind a family full of love and abundant memories: his cherished wife, Barbara Hunt Lanier; his son, Kelly Antonio Lenair of GA ; daughters Angela Annette Williams and husband Keith of Shelby, LaVonne Lenair Russell of Charlotte, Cherie Lenair of Winston Salem, and Sandra Ann Lenair of GA. He is also survived by sisters Sarah Degree Whitworth of Shelby and Henrietta Degree Boyce with husband Thomas (a very special brother-in-law) of Kingstown; his brother Franklin Lowis Degree and wife Yvonne of SC; 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and countless adored nieces and nephews (a very special nephew, Jerry Whitworth). These dear ones will forever treasure the laughter and love Kelly sprinkled liberally into their lives.

The thing about Kelly is that not only did he always know how to give a hand, but he also shared the gestures that made you feel like his favorite—because to him, everyone truly was.

A memorial service to celebrate Kelly's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home, officiated by Pastor Dr. Jerome Wilkerson. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home—plenty of time for tales, laughter, and joy as Kelly would have wanted.

Oh, how he'll be missed, but those lucky enough to know The Bishop know he's undoubtedly keeping St. Peter smiling—and perhaps reorganizing a few halos.

Services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center. www.claybarnette.com