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Note: "The Valley Times-News"
Lanett, Chambers Co., Alabama
Joseph Lanier Sr. dies at age 94
By From staff reports
Published November 30, 2000 10:34 AM EST
LANETT -- Joseph Lamar Lanier Sr., former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of WestPoint Pepperell Inc., died Nov. 28 at the age of 94 at Lanwood, his family residence in Lanett. A private family service was held at Marseilles Cemetery in West Point Nov. 29.
He was predeceased by Lura Fowlkes Lanier, his wife of 66 years. Mr. Lanier is survived by his two daughters, Mrs. Edward W. Edge of LaGrange; Mrs. Thomas M. Pearce of Birmingham, Ala.; and a son, Joseph L. Lanier Jr. of Lanett; one brother, Bruce N. Lanier of Lanett; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He was the son of the late George H. Lanier and Marie (Lamar) Lanier and was born in Jackson, Ga. Feb. 12, 1906. A graduate of West Point High School and Washington and Lee University (class of 1927), he also attended Lowell Textile Institute before succeeding his father as President of WestPoint Manufacturing Company and member of the board in 1951.
The merger of Pepperell Manufacturing Company into WestPoint Manufacturing Company to become WestPoint Pepperell in 1965 took place under his leadership. He became Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer in 1965, a position he held until his retirement in 1971. The merger of these two old line and highly respected textile companies was said to be one of the largest and most significant developments in the industry at the time. Trade publications called it an "ideal marriage."
He was a director of many companies during his long and active business career including the boards of Southern Company, Liberty National Life Insurance Company (now Torchmark), and The First National Bank of Atlanta, Ga. (now Wachovia).
Mr. Lanier was also a Trustee of the following: Washington and Lee University, emeritus; Walter F. George School of Law Foundation; LaGrange college; Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, emeritus; County-Valley Library Foundation, and was an emeritus member of The Business Council of the United States.
In addition to his business affiliations, he was active in community affairs including the George H. Lanier Boy Scout Council, Red Cross, City Council of Lanett, the George H. Lanier Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home, and Junior Achievement.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the H. Grady Bradshaw Library, 3419 20th Ave., Valley, Ala. 36854, or to your favorite charity.
McCarthy Funeral Home in West Point handled arrangements.
COPYRIGHT � 2000 Valley Newspapers, Inc. All rights reserved.
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