Thomas Wright Lanier, age 6, of Wallace, peacefully departed his brief, but oh so significant life on earth to ascend to his everlasting life in heaven on Saturday, December 17, 2011, at UNC Chapel Hill Hospital. He was surrounded by his faithful and loving family. Wright was born to Dona and Denny Lanier on May 16, 2005. In addition to his parents he is survived by his 8 year old brother, Hill; grandparents Romona and Terry Rivenbark, Deborah and Gary Lanier; great-grandmothers Sally Hatcher, Sarah Rivenbark and Mary Catherine Matthews; aunts and uncles Gina and Chuck Farrior, Summer and Matt Lanier; first cousins Sarah Pearl and Cole Farrior and many other close family members. Also included as family are his TeTa, Tena Roberts and his best friend, Beasley Roberts. He was preceded in death by great-grandparents William Hatcher, David Rivenbark, Rudolph Matthews, Versie and Posie Lanier. A courageous and spiritual little boy, Wright was diagnosed in 2010 with a rare immune deficiency, XLP with secondary HLH and myeloid dysplastic syndrome. He was admitted to Cincinnati Children's Hospital where he received a bone marrow transplant in November of 2010. Wright later developed many physical complications which he endured with perseverance. Untold grief befalls Wright's family, however they are sustained by their faith and comforted by the assurance that Wright is now holding the hand of his Savior, Jesus Christ. Wright was a graduate of The Little Red School House preschool, attended Penderlea Elementary and was looking forward to returning to his Bull Pup School, Wallace Elementary. He was a child of Wallace Presbyterian Church where he was baptized on June 10, 2010. Many were greatly touched by this young boy. His sweet smile and his determination to get well enough to leave Cincinnati and return home to Wallace endeared him to his fan club, \"Warriors for Wright\", and to all who were familiar with his story. On the occasion of his homecoming in November of this year he was welcomed into town with a great fanfare of patrol cars, fire trucks, hundreds of balloons, welcome home signs and heartfelt waves and cheers from a community of people who had grown to love and who now cherish the memory of little Thomas Wright Lanier. Pallbearers will be Denny Lanier, Matt Lanier, Chuck Farrior and Ken Roberts. The family will receive friends at the grave side. Wright leaves behind many compassionate professionals who provided love and support that enhanced his quality of life . . . . . the wonderful physicians and staff at The Children's Clinic in Wilmington, New Hanover Regional Medical Center's Pediatric Unit, the Cincinnati Children's Immune Deficiency and Bone Marrow Unit and support staff (especially his favorite nurse, Jill Pulsfort), and UNC Chapel Hill's Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. The family wishes to thank their extended family and their numerous friends from so many walks of life for the outpouring of support, love and prayers during Wright's journey. The Lanier's have been richly blessed by the thoughtfulness of others.