Lannice “Lanny” Mearl Ghrigsby, Jr., 56, passed away unexpectedly from cardiac arrest on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. He was born on January 10, 1966 in Columbia, South Carolina, to Frances Alexander Ghrigsby and the late Lannice Mearl Ghrigsby, Sr.
Lanny was artistic and creative. He loved cooking, working in the garden, playing his guitar, fishing, tattooing, riding his Harley, and spending time with family and good friends. Even though he was loud with a gruff exterior, he had a kind and giving heart. Because God’s mercy and grace had saved him from the struggles of drugs, alcohol, and homelessness years ago, he often was the hands of Jesus to the homeless, providing food and drinks to those he met along the way.
Lanny first met his wife Lisa when they were teenagers. She worked at Dutch Square, where he liked to hang out. He boldly gave her a big kiss, her first real kiss, that she never forgot. After high school they went separate ways, but the Lord had a plan. Seven years ago they were brought to a place where they reconnected. Within two months they were married, much to the shock and surprise of their families and friends. Lanny encouraged Lisa to branch out of her safe little world, exposing her to new experiences that she learned to enjoy as much as he. In return, she gave him the love, loyalty, security, and family he was looking for.
One of his greatest joys was being “GaGa” to Emma and Charlotte, and he was looking forward to another grandbaby “little Heimie” arriving later this year. He was a devoted husband, stepdad, grandfather, and friend. He loved his family and Jesus above all else.
Lanny is survived by his “trophy wife” as he called her, Lisa Benenhaley Ghrigsby; step daughters, Olivia (Adam) Wiley and Emily (Joseph) Heimbuch; grandchildren, Emma and Charlotte Wiley and “little Heimie” due in August; his mother, Frances Ghrigsby; brother, Freddy Ghrigsby; mother-in-law, Marion Benenhaley; sisters-in-law Renee (Brad) Alewine, Wendy (Clay) Simmons, Christina Jones; brother-in-law, Chris Jones; lots of nieces, nephews, and three great nieces. Lanny is also survived by numerous “brothers from another mother” that he loved and considered family. Lanny was predeceased by his father, Lannice Ghrigsby, Sr.
A memorial service celebrating Lanny’s life will be held at 6:00pm, Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at Barr-Price Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel. Lanny wasn’t a dress up kind of guy, so dress is casual, red if you have it as that was his favorite color. Weather permitting, ride those bikes and make ‘em loud for Lanny.
In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to make a donation in his memory to a place that made a significant impact on Lanny’s life ~ The Good Samaritan House, PO Box 145, Winnsboro, SC 29180.
Online register at barr-price.com
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