A memorial service for Mr. Ernie Ray Lanier, age 82 of Milan, will take place at 2:00 PM Saturday, July 2, 2022, at the Bodkin Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will Saturday from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Born in Durham, NC to the late Jesse Carl and Mildred Ezzelle Lanier on August 23, 1939, Ernie passed away June 29, 2022, surrounded by his family at his home. Mr. Ernie was a United States Marine Corps veteran. During his 9 years of service, he served 2 tours in Vietnam and became the Marine Corp Judo Champion. He was very proud of his military career and was a member of the local Marine Corps League. After his service, Ernie became a professional wrestler working for various organizations including the WWF. In the wrestling business, he was known as Lumber Jack Lanier, The Executioner, and the Pit Viper. He was a Heavy Weight World Champion Weight Lifter earning several titles. He was also known as the "Snake Hunter" and bred and raised Pythons. He appeared on Good Morning America, The Late Show with David Letterman, Crook and Chase, Prime Time Country, and Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures with his snakes. Ernie also appeared as a police officer in "Ernest Goes to Jail". He led a very full life that was packed with fun and adventure, and he will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him. Surviving Family: Wife - Elizabeth Lanier of Milan Sons - Mike Lanier and wife Meg, Ray Lanier and wife Cindi, Jeffrey Todd Lanier, John Woschulah, and stepson, Harold Wayne Griffin Daughters - Lori Lanier Vernon and Tina Lynn Beal and husband Johnny Brother - Carlton Leroy Lanier He also leaves several grandchildren. Memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project or to St Jude Childrens Research Hospital. Memorial Service Saturday, July 02, 2022 2:00 PM Bodkin Funeral Home 2000 South 1ST Milan, Tennessee 38358 Visitation 12-2 pm at Bodkin Funeral Home