Stephen "Randy" Randolph Layman

Randy, 65, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 11, 2019 at the Citadel of Myers Park in Charlotte, NC. Born September 18, 1953 in Charlotte, he was a son of the late Eugene Freed Layman, Jr. and Sara Ann Richardson Layman. While at Myers Park High School Randy was the 1972 State Champion in the 440 yard dash and a member of the state champion mile relay team. The '72 Myers Park track team members that were on the team for three years, NEVER lost a meet including the State Meet. Following graduation from Myers Park High School, Randy received a track scholarship to Western Carolina University. Randy worked for American Athletics at SouthPark for many years where he was involved with the Charlotte Track Club and the Charlotte Marathon. He later worked in the textile industry with Stein Fibers as a salesman where he retired due to disability eight years ago. The joys of Randy's life were his family and BASEBALL! He treasured his wife, the former Susan Thrower whom he married January 20, 1979. He was also a devoted father and grandfather who coached baseball and soccer for Park Sharon Athletic Association and served as President there. At Park Sharon, he was instrumental in obtaining lights for the field through the "Light the Field Project". Randy loved all sports but baseball was his favorite. He met so many lifelong friends through the sport. Randy had a BIG personality and inherited the Layman belly laugh that is contagious. He never met a stranger and would do anything to help anyone. Randy felt called to help others that were struggling with alcohol addiction and spent quite a bit of time at the Charlotte Rescue Mission where he counseled and shared his story in hopes of encouraging others. Randy had a daily goal which was to make people smile - He met this goal each and every day. Randy truly believed in "paying it forward". He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan Thrower Layman; two children; Stephen Layman (Catie) and Matthew Layman (LeAnna), both of Charlotte; and three beloved grandsons, Olsen and Benson Layman and Brecken Layman; brothers, Terry Layman (Ellen), and Chris Layman; and sisters, Margaret Fontaine (Ray), Pat Taft, Jane Pickhardt (Tom) and Cathy Bortz (Scott). A service to celebrate Randy's life will be held on Friday, August 23rd at 2pm at Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church, 8801 Park Road. There will be a reception in the fellowship hall of the church following the service. The family requests that you dress casually. For those wishing to send memorial gifts, please consider The Ivey Memory Wellness Day Center (www.theivey.com) or Memory Center Charlotte (www.memorycentercharlotte.com).