Lanny Autry NEW ALBANY – Lanny Lemuel Autry, 66, went home to be with his Savior, Friday, July 26, 2013, at his home in New Albany. He was born in Hickory Flat on Oct. 31, 1946, to Rev. Ewart and Lola Mae Autry. He married his high school sweetheart, Deborah Sue Ayres, in 1969. After earning his graduate degree from Mississippi State University, he began a 40-year career as a consulting forester and founded Mid-South Forestry in New Albany. During his professional years in forestry, he was well respected and served in various leadership capacities, including a tenure as president of the National Association of Consulting Foresters. Founding Gilead Ministries in 1995, he and Deborah led retreats for pastors and their wives for 12 years. He later earned his doctorate from Pillsbury Seminary in Biblical Counseling. He was the founding co-pastor at Christ Church in New Albany, where he also fulfilled the passion of his heart by offering counseling to individuals and couples in need. He and Deborah also frequently counseled couples in their home. Lanny often said that his greatest desire was to “finish well,” in a way that others would see the glory of Christ in a life well-lived. Those who knew him believe that his desire was realized. Lanny is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Deborah; two daughters, Amy Williams (Ken) of Tupelo and Susan Currier (Joe) of Mobile, Ala.; a twin sister, Martha Crawford (Ray) of Blue Mountain; and a brother, James Autry (Sally) of Des Moines, Iowa. Lanny was the beloved “Papa” to six grandchildren: Emily, Luke and Sam Williams; and Mason, Josiah and Amos Currier. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ewart and Lola Mae Autry, and two brothers, Jerry Autry and Ronald Autry. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 29, 2013, at Christ Church, 608 Hamilton Drive, New Albany, with Dr. John Snyder officiating. Burial will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Benton County. United Funeral Service in New Albany is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be today, July 28, 2013, from 5 until 8 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be made to Christ Church, P.O. Box 795, New Albany, MS 38652. For online condolences visit unitedfuneralservice.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Jul 2013 15:07:46 +0000
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