Frank Thurmond Lanier Jr.

Frank Thurmond Lanier Jr., 58, loving husband of Julie Lanier and retired Shift Commander with the Augusta Fire Department, entered eternal rest on Monday, July 27, 2026.

Frank was born in Augusta, Georgia, to Frank Thurmond Lanier Sr. and Diane Scott Lanier on December 2, 1967. He graduated from Evans High School in 1985 and later earned his Associates degree in Fire Science from Augusta Technical College On August 4, 2006, he married his loving wife, Julie Elizabeth, at Sacred Heart in Augusta, Georgia beginning a marriage built on faith, love, and unwavering devotion.

He dedicated his life to serving others. He proudly served with the Augusta Richmond County Fire Department for 33 years, retiring in 2020 as Shift Commander. Even after retirement, his commitment to the fire service never diminished. Throughout his distinguished career, he also volunteered with the Columbia County Fire Department and its Hazmat Team, always answering the call to serve wherever he was needed.

Known for his servant's heart, Frank found purpose in protecting both his community and his fellow firefighters. He was a respected leader who led with wisdom, integrity, honor, and grace. He earned the admiration and respect of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Outside of his career, Frank enjoyed hunting, fishing, welding, and American-made motorcycles. He especially loved riding his Harley-Davidson, Big Dog, and Indian motorcycles. His faith remained at the center of his life, and he cherished the fellowship he found as a devoted member of the Men's Bible Study Group in Martinez. A man with a giving heart, Frank supported causes that were meaningful to him, faithfully making monthly donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in honor of his nephew, Tripp Boggus.

Above all else, Frank was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and steadfast family man. His faith and his family were the cornerstones of his life. The meaningful tattoos he proudly wore reflected the people and causes closest to his heart: a Navy tattoo honoring his father, roses in memory of his mother, 343 and 9/11 tributes honoring the fallen firefighters and first responders, a "Don't Tread on Me" tattoo, and his fire badge number, 233.

Frank is preceded in death by his father, Frank Thurmond Lanier Sr.

Frank leaves behind by his loving wife, Julie Elizabeth Lanier; his loving son, Joshua Thompson Mullins Lanier (Megan); his dear mother, Diane Lanier; his grandchildren, Mason and Mia; his aunt, Kay Lanier Edwards (Dave); numerous adored nieces and nephews; and his brothers and sisters of the Augusta Richmond County Fire Department, whom he considered family.

Pallbearers will be Brice Reynolds, John Clark, Jeff Daniel, Sam Parton, Danny Kulhman, Anthony Lovett, Drew Murdock, Jonny Phillips, and John Cawley. Honorary pallbearers are the Augusta Richmond County and Columbia County Department Firefighters.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

“I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;” – Philippians 1:23

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”” – Isaiah 6:8

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Platt’s Funeral Home in Evans, Georgia with Pastor Jason Stewart officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Arrangements were entrusted to Platt's Funeral Home, 337 N. Belair Road, Evans, GA 30809 (706) 860-6166. Please take a moment to share your condolences by signing the online guestbook at plattsfuneralhome.com.