The story of a Midland Business Owner for over forty years –
Rev. Gerald Lanier
By Janet McKnight
Since the mid 1960’s Midland Tire and Farm Equipment has been in business on Hwy. 601 in Midland. Midland Tire and Farm Equipment was owned and operated by Rev. Gerald E. Lanier. ‘Preacher’, as most patrons affectionately called him, sold tires, tractors, farm equipment and golf carts. Many life lessons were taught to several of Rev. Lanier’s grandchildren as they worked in the store over the years either changing tires in the shop or making out bills of sale in the office.
Rev. Lanier was a bi-vocational Southern Baptist pastor who received his education at Fruitland Bible College. Over the years of his ministry he pastored Oakland Heights Baptist Church, Salisbury; Dunn’s Grove Baptist, Albemarle; First Baptist, Midland; Friendly Baptist Church, Monroe; Wadeville Baptist, Wadeville; and served as interim pastor at Kinza Memorial Baptist Church in Stanfield and Cottonville Baptist Church in Norwood. Preacher Lanier was known to not only take care of the needs of the community for tires and farm equipment but he also shared his faith and love for the Lord with all who entered into the shop. He told his children and grandchildren many times, ‘If you want to make a difference for the kingdom you must love people’ and he modeled this life statement for them on a daily basis.
After many years of suffering with heart problems and congestive heart failure, Rev. Lanier in the early morning hours of Monday February 22, 2010 went home to rest with his Lord in heaven. His memorial service was conducted by Rev. Jonathan Barbee, a grandson, and Rev. Mike Whitson at First Baptist Church of Indian Trail where Rev. Lanier and his loving wife, Betty, of sixty one years, were faithful members.
Rev. Lanier was laid to rest in the cemetery at First Baptist Church in Locust. He is survived by Betty Magilene Daniel Lanier of the home; daughters, Ms. Geraldine Lanier of Concord and Mrs. Janet Kay Lanier McKnight and son-in-law Richard McKnight of Stanfield. He has two surviving brothers, Jack Lanier and Richard Lanier and two sisters, Alma Lee Frye and Betty Ann Russell.
The surviving grandchildren of whom he was so proud are, Amy Whitley and her children Austin and Lindsey of Stanfield, Chad VonCannon his wife Kim and son Tucker of Locust, Mika Edwards her husband Dion and children Billy and Rebecca of Indian Trail, Judith Downs, her husband Scott, and children Christopher, Anna, Maggie and Daniel of Monroe, and Rev. Jonathan Barbee and his wife Brandi and their girls Chloe and Caroline of Nichols, South Carolina.
Rev. Lanier is also survived by a special sister-in-law, Juanita Weaver and niece Lynn Garner both of Denton, NC.  A great-granddaughter, Maeghan Edwards; sisters, Evelyn Gallimore and Wanda Faye Lanier; and brother, Malcolm Lanier preceded him in death.
Memorials donations in Rev. Lanier’s memory were made to The Maeghan and Heidi Heart Foundation, PO Box 273, Indian Trail, NC 28079; a foundation in memory of his great-granddaughter which ministers to families who have lost children due to congenital heart defects. As well as to Metrolina Christian Academy Financial Aid Fund, PO Box 1460, Indian Trail, NC 28079 which is the Christian school at First Baptist Indian Trail. Rev. Lanier believed in Christian education and wanted to help children receive a Christian education.
Midland Tire and Farm Equipment will remain in operation for the great people of Midland and the surrounding communities through the efforts of Rev. Lanier’s daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. Hours and days of operation will be limited, just check for the ‘OPEN’ sign. If you have any needs please call Richard McKnight at 704-292-9252. The family of Rev. Lanier would like to express their gratitude to the wonderful citizens of Midland for their love and support.