Carl Gene Layman, a wonderfully kind and sweet Christian man, graduated to heaven as his family surrounded him early Monday morning, April 2, 2012, at the age of 77.
Gene was born on September, 30 1934 in Celina, Texas.He was the fourth of five children to Dillie and William Carl Layman. Gene graduated from Gunter High School and attended business college. He moved to Dallas after marrying Deloris Elrod in 1960. He is survived by his children: Gary Layman and wife, Rhonda of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Kathleen Allen and husband, Joe of Carrollton, Texas; and Melodie Elliott and husband, Terry of Carrollton. Gene enjoyed being Paw Paw to eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Grandchildren: David Baxley Layman; Cherish Rogers and husband, Scott;Kandi Davis and husband, Mason;Justin Allen and wife, Ashley;Jacob Allen; Tabitha Dyer and husband, Jon;Joseph Allen; and Tyler Elliott. Great-grandchildren: Shaley Rogers, Wesley Baxley Layman, Brooke Baxley Layman, Sheila Baxley Layman, Zoe Belle Davis, Isla Rogers, Bryce Allen, Andre Dyer, Landen Allen and Aralynn Rogers.He is also survived by his brother, Bob Layman of Van Alstyne, Texas and sister, Virginia Neil of Lubbock, Texas.Gene is preceded in death by his parents, William and Dillie Layman and his sisters, Beulah Horak and Corrine Baker.
Gene was employed at Peerless Manufacturing for 19 years as a skilled welder in the gas industry, and served as an officer (including president) of the AFL-CIO for many years. Post retirement, Gene became an independent contractor serving Dallas Times Herald, Wall Street Journal and Texas Recycling for 25+ years. Gene was known for his work ethic and was beloved by his customers for his sweet, endearing spirit.His gift was to touch all that he met in a special way.And you couldn’t know Gene without knowing his love of baseball and basketball.His favorite pastime was to watch the Texas Rangers and Dallas Mavericks.
Gene was a truly kind, gentle man who made a difference through his walk of enduring faith.You could not meet him without him proclaiming, “God is Good” at all times.He was a living testament to a deep faith and relationship with God.He was a lifelong Christian, served as a deacon at Belaire Baptist and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Carrollton, Texas since 2003.
From the beginning of his life, Gene overcame a number of obstacles.Born with multiple birth-defects including hearing loss and heart damage – he fought the odds. He did not allow himself to be limited to sign language, and mastered the art of lip-reading to ensure that he could converse just like everyone else.He was determined not to be labeled as someone with special needs.And…despite his physical challenges he played the sports he loved and even coached little league in Carrollton/Farmers Branch.
Most of all, he had a song in his heart and on his lips all of his life.Singing gospel music and hymns was a special part of his life until his last days.
The family will receive friends at a Visitation to be held at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Frisco, Texas on Thursday, April 5, 2012 from 6-8 PM.Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 6, 2012 at First Baptist Church of Carrollton with Pastor Bob Layman and Pastor Brent Taylor officiating.Interment will be held at 3:00 PM at Cottage Hill Cemetery in Celina.