Kenneth Cosby Layman Jr., aged 97, peacefully passed away on Palm Sunday, March 24, 2024, at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro, Tenn.. Born February 5, 1927, in Bondtown, Virginia.
Kenneth’s life journey began in various locations, including Cranes Nest Bondtown, where he resided with his parents (then grandparents), Norton, Va., during the Depression, back to Bondtown, then on to Coeburn to live in various places. Notably, his Step-Granddad, Gilbert Walker Akers, served as the mayor of Bondtown until his passing in 1940.
Throughout his diverse career, Kenneth worked in various roles, including as a picture framer at Ashworth’s Studio, soda jerk for Quesenberry’s Corner Drug Store, apple picker at Shipman, Va., Sears Hardware clerk, apprentice draftsman at Norfolk Navy Yard, Merchant Marine, Army 1st Sergeant, city recorder, town judge, and mayor of Decherd, Ten., city administrator for Central City, city manager of Etowah, Tenn., motel clerk, and manager, and armed security guard.
During his 22 years of dedicated military service, Kenneth specialized in aircraft maintenance, graduating from Auto Mechanic School. Kenneth displayed exceptional bravery during his military tenure, earning several honors, including the Bronze Star Medal with three oak leaf clusters for his valor in multiple wartime situations, the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster for his outstanding wartime actions, and National Defense Service Medals for serving in Germany, Korea, and South Vietnam (three separate tours). Other decorations comprise: Good Conduct Medal (seven times), Meritorious Service Medal upon retiring for excellent conduct without any Article 15’s. Additionally, awarded proficiency pay for ranking in the top 10% for job knowledge in Rotary Wing aircraft, Senior Air Crewman’s badge, expert in M-14, Sharpshooter with M-2 Carbine, and M-16 weapons.In 1963, Kenneth married Carol Ray Barr of Decherd, Tenn., and they raised six children—Rebecca, Troy, Rachel, Joseph, Dewey, and Inez.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Cosby Layman Sr. and Eva Duette (Mabrey) (Layman) Eshelman, as well as his sister Patricia Ann (Layman) (Moore) Hoskins, brother Robert McGill Layman, and sisters-in-law Eloise Layman and Irma Layman. He is survived by his brother, Billy Gene Layman, his wife of 60 years, Carol Layman, his six children, nine grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
His Mother’s parents were Gathas Marion and Nettie Victoria (Winebarger) Mabrey. They had ten children—one of which was Eva.
His Dad’s parents were John Chapman and Maggie Cora (Grantham) (Layman) Akers. They had two children—one of which was Kenneth Sr.
Great Grandparents were: James William and Charity Lucinda (Hurst) Grantham of Pulaski, Va., and Jonas P. and Sarah Jane Elizabeth (Vannoy) Winebarger of Meat Camp, Boone, N.C.
Kenneth was a devout reader of the Bible and a dedicated church attendee. He took pride in his Layman Family Genealogy project, created and composed a loose-leaf booklet of generations past beyond 1730, and was known for his intelligence and sociable nature, always ready to strike up a conversation.
As per Kenneth’s wishes, he was laid to rest near his father, Kenneth Sr., in Mills Family Cemetery in Coeburn, V.a. with graveside services and full military honors on Good Friday, March 29, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
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