SFC Howard Edward Laney, Jr., US Army, Ret., age 71, passed away suddenly, Sunday morning at Coffee Regional Medical Center.
Howard was born March 23, 1954, in Orlando, Florida, to the late Howard Edward Laney, Sr. and the late Jane Marie Wise Laney. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army where he retired after 20 years of honorable service with the rank of Sergeant First Class. During his military career SFC Laney was a Combat Engineer serving during the Persian Gulf War/Operation Desert Storm. Following his retirement he returned to his home and family in Willacoochee, Georgia, where he enjoyed spending his time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a history buff and an avid reader, enjoying science fiction and history books. He was of the Pentecostal faith.
Howard is survived by his wife of 50 years Janice Lucille Smith Laney of Willacoochee, Georgia; 2 children: William Howard (Crystal) and June Marie Graham (Scott) both of Willacoochee, Georgia; 17 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; 1 sister, Carroll Wood of Willacoochee, Georgia; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
Along with his parents, Howard was preceded in death by one daughter, Tina Mason; one grandson, Todd Mason; one great grandson Levi Smith; one son-in-law, Dennis Mason; and one sister, Rosie Bragg.
Howard’s funeral was held on Thursday afternoon, April 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM in the Ricketson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Charles Blair and Sis. Jessica Benefield officiating. Musical selections during the chapel service included “Heaven By Noon” from the recorded music of Meagan Moroney, “Show Me Around” from the recorded music of Carly Pearce, and “Stroll Over Heaven With You” from the recorded music of Alan Jackson. Interment followed in the Willacoochee City Cemetery. Musical selection of “How Do I Say Goodbye” from the recorded music of Dean Lewis at the graveside. In honor of SFC Laney’s dedicated service to our country, full military honors were rendered by the United States Army Honor Guard from Ft. Stewart, Georgia.
Condolences, kind words and fond memories may be left for Howard’s family at www.ricketsonfuneralhome.com.
Howard’s arrangements have been entrusted to the kind and compassionate staff of Ricketson Funeral Home, Inc.