Harry Lanny Arinder
78, Columbia
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 29, 2024, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church for Harry Lanny Arinder, 78, of Columbia, who passed away on Thursday morning, July 25, surrounded by family, friends and colleagues. Burial followed in Woodlawn Cemetery. Father Stan Fornea officiated at the services. Special music was provided by Chris Turnage and Amanda Wood. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. until the time of the services on Monday, July 29, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.
Born and raised in nearby Improve Community in Marion County, he was the youngest of 10 siblings and made his home and raised his family in Columbia. He dedicated his entire professional career to serving and protecting his country and community that he loved so dearly and that loved him back. Even with such a large family of his own, he built a strong family of community, evident through the outpouring of love and support received in the wake of his passing.
After graduating from Improve High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served from October 1966 until he was honorably discharged in July 1970. He was an Aviation Store Keeper aboard the USS Enterprise where he received the Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Navy Unit Commendation.
He then took that love of serving his country and translated it to his education and profession, receiving a B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern Mississippi and serving more than 40 years in local law enforcement including the Columbia Police Department where he retired as Captain Patrolman and the Department of Corrections as a Probation Officer. He particularly loved his roles as a Resource Officer for both Columbia Academy and Columbia Public School System and part-time security guard at Marion General Hospital.
His hobbies and affiliations included practicing and teaching karate, cheering on the USM baseball and local high school basketball and football teams, and in retirement, spending time with his friends at Bogie’s and Ward’s, and entertaining his grandchildren with his always present goofy and childlike sense of humor. He was a member of the American Legion, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry out of Dallas, Texas, St. Albans Grand Lodge of Mississippi and the local VFW.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elzey Arinder and Sallie Bolin Arinder; sisters, Barbara Randall, Lottie Kendrick and Jeanette Regan; and brothers: Cleo Arinder, Verlon Arinder, Charles Arinder and Aubra Arinder.
Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Carolyn Arinder, six children, Stacy Quiriconi (Rob), Nichelle Zion (Wesley), Gina Eaton (Shaine); Charles Arinder (Carol), Barrett Cooper (Jeremy) and Olivia Collins (Morgan); eight grandchildren, William Harris (Haley), Hailey Brumfield, Jadyn Eaton, Karamia Quiriconi, Collier Cooper, Clower Cooper, William Collins and Elizabeth Collins; one great-granddaughter, Aubrey Harris; one sister Thelma Hutson; and one brother, Herbert Arinder.
Pallbearers were Jeremy Cooper, Morgan Collins, Mithcell Arinder, Will Arinder, Zac McCain, Kevin Arinder, Randy Arinder and Chris Shields. Honorary pallbearers were James Arinder, Gary Hugh Regan, Cole Price, Ramie Russell, Randall Baker, Mike Turner, Wesley Zion and officers of the Columbia Police Department.
Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com. Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia was in charge of the arrangements.
