News Summary
The North Augusta community is grieving the passing of two cherished residents, Thomas L. Freeman, Jr. and Chris Lanier, who dedicated their lives to their families and neighborhoods. Memorial services are being planned, highlighting the impact of their contributions and the strong support among friends and family. Their legacies of family, faith, and community service will be remembered and celebrated, inspiring others to honor their memories.
North Augusta, SC – The community is mourning the loss of two beloved residents, SFC (Ret.) Thomas L. Freeman, Jr. and Douglas Christopher “Chris” Lanier, who both made significant contributions to their families and their neighborhoods.
SFC (Ret.) Thomas L. Freeman, Jr. passed away on June 18, 2025, at the age of 74. His funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 3 PM at Bethany Baptist Church, with the Rev. Russell Brisco officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. A viewing will take place from 2 to 5:30 PM on Wednesday, June 25, at G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary located at 614 West Ave, North Augusta, SC.
Freeman was known for his commendable military service after graduating from Mims High School in 1968. He began his career in the United States Army, eventually retiring after a fulfilling career. Following his military service, Freeman dedicated his time to working in Food Service at University Hospital and was an active member of Bethany Baptist Church.
Surviving Freeman are his two daughters, Carol Cunningham and Shondra N. Freeman, as well as his mother, Beatrice Brooks Freeman. He is also remembered by six brothers: Claude, Robert, James, Ernest, Michael, and Bernard Freeman; four sisters: Hattie, Linda, Juanita, and Tycia Jones; and his children’s mother, Kim Freeman. He leaves behind seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a host of godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In addition to Freeman, Douglas Christopher “Chris” Lanier, 63, also left an indelible mark on the community when he departed this life on May 15, 2025. A celebration of life for Lanier will occur on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 3:30 PM at Grace Fellowship Church in North Augusta. Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors are managing the arrangements.
Born and raised in Augusta, Georgia, Lanier spent many years residing in North Augusta, where he maintained close contacts with classmates and friends from West Side High School. He enjoyed a successful career as a welder and maintenance mechanic at Savannah River Site, from which he retired after 32 years of dedicated service.
Lanier was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing his passion for horticulture with others, which earned him the title of Master Gardener. He was also a loyal Georgia Bulldog fan, often expressing his pride in the team. Lanier was married to Pam Lanier for 14 years and is survived by their two sons, Cody and Kyle Lanier, as well as a daughter, Kala Byrd, and grandson, Beckham Byrd. He is also remembered by his brother, Jerry Lanier.
Both Freeman and Lanier’s contributions to their families and communities will continue to be felt, highlighting the importance of family, faith, and dedication in nurturing lasting relationships. Their legacies remind all of the great impact an individual can have on the lives of others.
The outpouring of support from friends and family underscores the loss felt by the community. As arrangements are made for their memorials, residents are encouraged to honor their memories by celebrating their lives and the values they shared with those around them.
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Additional Resources
- Chris Lanier Obituary
- Barbara Colley Obituary
- Andrew Bonsal Obituary
- Selma Eatmon Obituary
- Walton Lamar Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Google Search: Community Obituaries
- Google Scholar: Obituary Impact on Community
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Google News: Obituaries in the Community
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
