Marvin Lanier Chambers

Marvin Lanier Chambers, age 81, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2020 after an extended illness.  Lanier was born in White County on December 19, 1938 to Marvin and Lora Chambers.  He lived most of his life at the base of his beloved Yonah Mountain. In addition to his parents, Lanier was preceded in death by his siblings, Louise Thigpen, Dot Struble, Velma McLendon, Roy “Jere” Chambers, and Billy Wayne Chambers.  He is survived by his wife, Barbara Allison Chambers, daughters, Beth Chambers and Carol Chambers Crumley (Greg), grandchildren, Coleby Nelson (Ashley), Dillon Nelson, Cayden Crumley, Erica Owens (Drew), Drew Crumley (Candace), and great grandchildren, Addie Nelson, Hadley Nelson, Evy Owens, Archie Owens, and Rory Crumley. Other surviving family members include sister-in-law, Joyce Bentley and husband, Ed. Lanier is also remembered by his special nieces and nephews.

Lanier attended Piedmont College, North Georgia College, and the University of Georgia. He was a businessman, realtor and developer in Cleveland, Helen, and Hiawassee. He opened a number of businesses in White County including Chambers Building Supply and Furniture and Chambers Realty, and he developed the first strip mall in Cleveland.  In addition, Lanier was elected to the White County Board of Commissioners (1971-1974) and was Chairman of the Commission during his tenure from 1983-1986.  Lanier’s commitment to White County was also evident in his service and memberships in the Masons, the White County Historical Society, the Nacoochee School Reunion, and the Rotary Club of White County.

Lanier had many interests and he shared these interests with family and friends. He had a green thumb for gardening and enjoyed gifting his green beans and other vegetables to many loved ones. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golf with the Mossy Creek golf friends.  Also, Lanier was a pioneer in White County with hot air ballooning and flew in the first balloon race from Helen to the Atlantic in 1974.  Additionally, Lanier researched his Scottish heritage and ancestry. He was known for his love of storytelling and was a talented writer of stories and poems. 

Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 PM Monday, March 9, 2020 at First Presbyterian Church of Cleveland. The Rev. Burnetta Armour and Dr. Jeff Hutcheson will officiate. Interment will follow at Yonah View Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 PM Sunday at Barrett Funeral Home.

Flowers will be acknowledged and charitable contributions can be made in Lanier’s name to the First Presbyterian Church Choir in Cleveland and the American Heart Association.

To share a memory or to leave the family a condolence please visit www.barrettfh.com.

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland. 706-865-3101.