Emsley A. Laney, Jr.

Chesterfield, SC – Mr. Emsley A. Laney, Jr., age 94, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, at McLeod Health – Cheraw, surrounded by his loving family. A Celebration of Life service will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, officiated by Pastor Alisha Hansen. Following the service, a reception will be held in the church fellowship hall. The family will be receiving visitors at the home on Friday afternoon, January 16, 2026, between the hours of 3:00 – 5:00 PM.

A graveside service for inurnment will be scheduled at a later date, during which Mr. Laney will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Lois, at Oakdale Cemetery located at 520 N. 15th Street, Wilmington, NC.

Emsley was born on March 29, 1931, in Wilmington, NC, to the late Emsley A. Laney, Sr. and Katherine Redfern Laney. He graduated from New Hanover High School in Wilmington and later earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Mr. Laney honorably served his country as a U.S. Army veteran during the Korean War.

Following his military service, Emsley embarked on a distinguished career in the banking industry, starting in Richmond, VA, before taking positions in Dillon, SC, Whiteville, NC, and Cherryville, NC. Ultimately, he settled in Chesterfield, SC, where he made a lasting impact as President of the Bank of Chesterfield, retiring after 29 years of dedicated service.

Mr. Laney was a devoted member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, where he served as treasurer and usher for many years, and actively participated in the United Methodist Men's group. He was also a longstanding member of both the Chesterfield Civitan Club and the Chesterfield Service Club. Emsley had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying activities such as hunting, fishing, bird watching, and horseback riding. He cherished his time raising English Setter bird dogs and enjoyed his time with the Chesterfield Field Trial Club, where he served as president and treasurer and developed many lasting friendships.

An admirer of music, Emsley studied the bagpipes and loved spending time on his boat, "Lazy Daze," with his wife and grandchildren. His family brought him immense joy, and he took great pride in his role as a "grandaddy" to his grandchildren and a cherished "Pop" to his great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Emsley was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Lois Magnuson Laney, his brother, Neill Laney, and his cherished grandson, Matthew Szabo.

He is survived by his children, Kathy (Charles) Snow of Charlotte, NC, Emsley A. (Reverend Kathy) Laney, III of North Myrtle Beach, SC, and Laura (Steve) Szabo of Greenville, SC; as well as his grandchildren, Caroline Snow, Andrew (Kalyn) Snow, Holly (Brennan) Dooley, Graham Chrisley, Austin Chrisley, Ashlyn Laney, Emily Szabo, and Shannon Szabo. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Jack Dooley, Logan Dooley, Emsley Snow, Lily Snow, and Connor Dooley; his brother, Tom (Amy) Laney of Wilmington, NC; sister-in-law, Pat Laney of Wilmington, NC; and a host of extended family and friends.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to caregiver and friend, Lessie Smith, for her exceptional care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church at 305 W. Main Street, Chesterfield, SC 29709, or to Holy Angels, P.O. Box 710, Belmont, NC, 28012.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) is serving the Laney family.