Carl "Bloss" Lanier

Carl Robert “Bloss” Lanier, 94, of Valdosta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 25, 2026. Born January 2, 1932, in Fort Ogden, Florida, Bloss was the beloved son of the late Etta and Orton Lanier.

Bloss was the devoted husband of Beverly Lanier for 70 remarkable years—a partnership built on loyalty, laughter, and the kind of love that steadies a family for generations. He was a proud father to his four sons: Timothy Lanier of Maitland, Florida; Jeffery Lanier of Hahira, Georgia; Robert Lanier (Nancy) of Melbourne, Florida; and Michael Lanier (Sally Palmi) of Gainesville, Florida. His grandchildren, Peyton Lanier (Emily) and Casey Keith (Kyle), along with his nieces and nephews, will forever carry his stories, his humor, and his generous spirit forward.

For more than 30 years, Bloss built a respected career in Sales Management with Life & Casualty Insurance Company of Tennessee. In 1974, he and Beverly made Valdosta their home, planting deep roots over the next five decades. A natural entrepreneur, Bloss poured his energy into various business ventures and real estate, always guided by his personal motto: “If you’re not growing, you’re dying.”

Bloss lived life with a contagious energy—quick with a joke, ready with a story, and always the one who could turn a simple moment into a memory worth retelling. He loved to travel, whether it was a long drive through Florida backroads or a family trip filled with laughter, teasing, and the kind of good-natured humor that became his trademark. If you spent even a short time with him, you walked away smiling.

A faithful member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Bloss lived his faith through service, kindness, and a steady presence in his community. He was a loyal fan of the University of Florida Gators, cheering them on with the same enthusiasm he brought to everything he loved. Above all, Bloss treasured time with his family and friends—whether in Valdosta or back home in Arcadia, Florida. His happiest days were spent surrounded by the people he loved, especially his grandchildren, who adored his stories, jokes, and warm, easy laughter.

Bloss was preceded in death by his wife Beverly Lanier, his parents, his brother Toby Lanier, and his sister Mary Lou Lanier.

A visitation will be held at Ponger Kays Grady Funeral Home Chapel in Arcadia, Florida, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral service immediately following at 11:00 a.m.