Graveside services for Coach James LeRay Lanier, Sr., 90 of Crowville, will be 2 PM Monday, January 12, 2026, at Crowville Masonic Cemetery with Rev. Marion Collier officiating. Coach   passed away on January 8, 2026, at his home, He was born on Sept. 26, 1935, in Extension, LA., to the late Luther James Lanier and the late Cora Helen Ross Lanier.

He graduated from Crowville High School in 1953. He received an athletic scholarship to Louisiana College, where he excelled in both football and baseball.  He went on to graduate with a degree in education.  James was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Bonnie Ruth Mercer.

James was a teacher and coach for 20 years at Buckeye High School and Crowville.  He is recognized at Buckeye for starting the school's football program in 1962.  James was a Christian and a Southern Baptist.  He was a member of Hill Ridge Baptist Church.

He married Bonnie on May 30, 1957, in Epps, La.  They had three sons, LeRay, Thomas and Sam. Coach is survived by his three sons and their families, including numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The Family would like to express thanks TLC Hospice, for their care and special thank you to Ms. Amy of TLC and Machelle Newman.