Craig and Rhonda Lanier

Kenneth Craig “Big Chicken” Lanier, 68, and Rhonda Frost Lanier, 64, of Pembroke, Georgia passed away tragically from this life on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at their home.

They will be missed by their son and daughter-in-law, Shane and Heather Lanier. They were Papa and Nanny to their beloved grandsons, Trent Lanier (Kylee Saxon) and Trevor Lanier; Christy Frost who was a sister to Rhonda and like a sister to Craig; Glenda Lanier Smith (William), Kathy Lanier Calahan, Hugh Grady Lanier, Jr., and Angela Lanier McCook (Tom), siblings to Craig; Bobbie Frost, who was a sister-in-law to both Craig and Rhonda, as well as a number of loving nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins. They were also known as Nanny and Papa to countless friends and teammates of Trent and Trevor.

Craig and Rhonda were both born in Savannah, Georgia. Craig was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh Grady Lanier, Sr. and Faye Priester Lanier. Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Julian Frost and Betty Jean Parker Frost, as well as her sister, Robin Edwards, and two brothers, Joe Frost and Wendell Frost. Craig and Rhonda would have been married for 50 years this October and have been described as being best friends, and the perfect example of what marriage should look like. Craig and Rhonda would not have wanted to live in this world without the other one. Both professed their faith as born-again Christians. Their lives revolved around family, especially their son and grandsons, whom Craig, a true outdoorsman, taught among other things, how to hunt and fish. He was a member of the Ivanhoe Hunting Club. Craig retired from the Georgia Ports Authority after 40 years of service as an STS Crane Operator. He trained 75 crane operators over his career. Rhonda doted over her grandsons and became a full-time “Nanny” when they were born. She loved cooking for them as well as watching movies with them. Craig and Rhonda were their grandson’s biggest cheerleaders, following them across the country watching them play baseball and football. Rhonda has also been described as being the perfect wife, mother, Nanny, and mother-in-law, she basically checked all of the boxes.

The visitation will be on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Pembroke located at 169 Church Street in Pembroke, Georgia.

The funeral to honor Craig and Rhonda’s life will be on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Pembroke located at 169 Church Street in Pembroke, Georgia.  Officiating will be Brother Robert Lane and Brother Tommy Smith.  The active pallbearers for Rhonda will be Greg Brown, Charles Williams, Allen Williams, Cody Frost, Talen Lovezzola, and Jason Lane.  The active pallbearers for Craig will be Kerry Terrell, William Todd, Earl Bazemore, Stephen McCook, Doug Kangeter, and Joe Digiovanni.  The honorary pallbearers for Craig will be Gene West, Coye Green, and members of the Ivanhoe Hunting Club.

Burial will follow at Northside Cemetery in Pembroke, Georgia.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes – WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL (912) 748-2444