Harry Lanny Arinder, age 78, of Columbia, MS, passed away on Thursday morning, July 25th, 2024, surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues.  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, Lanny 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, Lanny 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 over 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.

Lanny's 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 Bogies and Wards, 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, TX, St. Albans Grand Lodge of Mississippi, and the local VFW.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carolyn Arinder, 6 Children: Stacy Quiriconi (Rob), Nichelle Zion (Wesley); Gina Eaton (Shaine); Charles Arinder (Carol); Barrett Cooper (Jeremy); and Olivia Collins (Morgan); his 8 grandchildren: William Harris (Haley); Hailey Brumfield, Jadyn Eaton, Karamia Quiriconi, Collier Cooper, Clower Cooper, William Collins, and Elizabeth Collins; and 1 Great Granddaughter, Aubrey Harris