Roy Elvin Layton

Roy Elvin Layton, age 82, of Charleston, WV, peacefully passed to his heavenly home on Friday, September 13, 2024, after a very long and extremely courageous battle with colorectal cancer, which has spanned more than two decades. Roy’s path was complicated with multiple health issues and his journey has been beyond brave and heroically impressive, his resilience sometimes even astonishing his doctors and health personnel. Powered by prayer and knowing each day to be a blessing, Roy lived a long, happy, and fulfilled life in which he was loved and celebrated.

Roy was born on December 31, 1941, to Harry and Phoeba (Fridley) Layton, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Harry Wayne Layton and Danny Lee Layton, and two infant daughters, Patricia Sue Layton and Cindy Lou Layton.

Roy was a devout Christian and a member of Spring Fork Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as church deacon, sang in the choir, and taught senior high and adult Sunday School classes until his health rendered him unable to continue. He was the first to lend a helping hand and never met a stranger, most always joking and making others laugh. He relied heavily on prayer and never lost his faith, even as his health continued to decline, oftentimes found witnessing to nurses and caregivers, praising the Lord, and sharing his favorite Bible verses.

Roy was formerly employed with the West Virginia Parkways Authority and Turnpike Commission, where he functioned in a supervisory role at the time of his retirement in 2001. He had prior employment with Coastal Tank Lines and Valley Bell Dairy and was also a military veteran, having proudly served his country in the United States Army.

Roy is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Brenda “Joyce” Layton; daughter, Tana (Rich) Tolley of Hurricane; son, Terry (Lynda) Layton of Charleston; granddaughters, Ashley (Jen) Layton of Belington and Marissa Tolley (Christian) Sands of Greensboro, PA; sisters, Marilyn (Bernard) Hudnall of Saint Albans and Shirley (Randy) Wilson of Charleston; and many beloved nieces, nephews, friends, and cousins.

Roy loved spending time in his garage and attending car shows. He was an avid collector of classic cars, his favorite being his pink 1956 Ford Victoria Fairlane. He liked to browse flea markets and had quite the collection of various 1950s memorabilia. He was always up for a spontaneous road trip and especially liked spending time in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Recently confined to home, you could find him watching his favorite TV westerns, working jigsaw puzzles, or sitting on the porch, singing and whistling. He always had a story to tell and could talk and reminisce for hours, finding joy in the simplest details. He was truly an inspiration to all who knew him and his absence will be felt by many.

Funeral Services will be at 1:00 PM Tuesday September 17, 2024 at Spring Fork Missionary Baptist Church with the Pastor Mike Long officiating. Burial will follow at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.

A visitation with family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations to either St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org) or Spring Fork Missionary Baptist Church, 320 Campbells Creek Drive, Charleston, WV 25306.

The online guest book can be accessed at www.stevensandgrass.com.

Stevens & Grass Funeral Home, Malden is in charge of arrangements.