Homer H. Lanning

Asheville – Homer Harmon Lanning, 94, died Friday November 15, 2013 at John F. Keever Hospice surrounded by his family. A native of Buncombe County, Homer was son of the late Hilliard and Irene Towe Lanning. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty Jean Lanning and his best friend and loving dog, Buddy. Homer was a lifelong resident of Buncombe County. He was a man that believed doing things the hard way was the only way things should be done. He served in the Army and fought in World War II. He raised game chickens and was known by many as the "rooster man". He worked most of his life at the Biltmore Estate in the Dairy Farm, the Apple Orchard, and the Biltmore House. He also had a proud career in law enforcement and served in the Biltmore Forest community. Homer loved his family and will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his two children; son, Rick Lanning of Fletcher and daughter, Sandy Church of San Diego, CA; two sisters, Evelyn Robinson of Asheville and Myrtle Belle Cochran of Fl; two granddaughters, Laura Wise of Murphreesboro, TN and Victoria Alagar of La Mesa, CA; three great grandchildren all of California; sister-in-law, Doris Rice and her husband, Larry and several nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road on Wednesday, November 20th, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to John F. Keever Solace Center, P.O. Box 25338 Asheville, N.C. 28813 or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 4530 Park Road, Suite 240, Charlotte, NC 28209. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.