Lanny Ray McLaughlin, 78, of Fernandina Beach, FL passed away on June 9, 2022, at the Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, FL.
Born on November 11, 1943, to the late Raymond Leon McLaughlin and Helen Mae (Goodwin) McLaughlin in Moody, Alabama. Lanny grew up in Alabama, Georga and Florida. He graduated from Terry Parker High School in Jacksonville, FL.
After graduating from the University of South Florida with a BA in Human Resources. He joined the Army and was a graduate of the Transportation Corps Officers Candidate School at Ft. Eustis, VA, Glass of 12-67 (Foxtrot 2) on 31 May 1967. Lanny married his college sweetheart, Mary Beth Mathis of Jacksonville, FL in December of 1967.
After graduation Lanny began working for the Gillette Company as a regional salesman. When advancement with the company required a move out of state, he did not wish to uproot his young family from Jacksonville, FL. He became a regional salesman for an auto parts distributor.
As time went on, the entrepreneurial bug bit Mr. McLaughlin. He opened an independent auto parts store in Jacksonville Beach, FL. This allowed Lanny to work with both his father and mother-in-law, daily as they joined in the running of the store. This provided a good living for the family for many years. When nationally franchised auto parts stores and Walmart came to dominate the scene, this was no longer possible. He purchased an AAMCO franchise in downtown Jacksonville and ran it successfully until his next adventure came along.
Retirement included trading stocks in the stock market, going to the movies, and working on his property “McAcre” in Fernandina Beach. Retirement did not last long; Lanny was a true adventurer with the heart of an archaeologist. His final job as a trucker allowed him to travel and see parts of the country alongside his second wife, Cindy, what he greatly enjoyed.
He appreciated southern cooking, auto racing of all types especially drag-racing and NASCAR, and the great outdoors; he was a great admirer and visitor of the National Parks. In his years as a young father, he enjoyed camping with his first wife, Mary and their two children, Jeff and Susan. He owned a boat, loved to take rides around the intercoastal and was very fond of fishing.
He was an active member of Fort Caroline Baptist Church in Jacksonville. Upon moving to Fernandina Beach, he became a member of Holy Trinity Anglican Church.
Lanny leaves behind his second wife of 21 years, Cynthia “Cindy” (Laing) McLaughlin of Fernandina Beach, FL and his first wife of 32 years, Mary Beth (Mathis) McLaughlin of Jacksonville, FL. Children, Jeffrey David McLaughlin of Jacksonville, FL; Susan McLaughlin (Scott Andrew) MacDonald of Hummelstown, PA; Christine Anne (Gerry Andrew) Raymond of Mesa, AZ; Robinson Brien Kirkpatrick of Stockport, OH. Grandchildren, Samantha Rose Raymond, and David James Raymond both of Mesa, AZ; Lucas Caden Kirkpatrick of Stockport, OH; Finnley James MacDonald, and Callan Michael MacDonald both of Hummelstown, PA. One sister-in-law, Kimberly Laing, Fernandina Beach, FL and one brother Paul (Joann) McLaughlin of Marietta, GA.
Lanny McLaughlin was a stubborn, determined businessman, husband, and father. He was a man of few words, but outspoken when he had something to say. He loved Jesus, his family, and lived life on his own terms. He will be missed.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Fernandina Beach, with a social reception hour to follow the service. He will be laid to rest in the All Saints Memory Garden.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Holy Trinity Anglican Church for Lindisfarne Hall School.