Pearl Harbor survivor passes away

James Daniel “J.D.” Lancaster, of Pine Level, died Friday at the age of 90, family members said.

Nearly 70 years ago, Lancaster survived the attack on the USS Arizona, which was bombed at Pearl Harbor. In an interview with WRAL News several years ago, Lancaster said the explosion blew him into the water.

“I’ve relived it, no telling how many times,” he said.

Lancaster said he thought he survived because “the Lord had something else for me to do.”

Two years later, he was on a landing ship that came under attack. Of the 700 men on board, only 45 survived.

Funeral services will be held at McLaurin at Pinecrest Funerals and Cremations in Clayton at 11 a.m. Tuesday. He will be buried with military honors at Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Visitation is being held at McLaurin on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m.