Obituary of Robert Hugh Layman

Robert Hugh Layman, 97, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. Robert (Bob) was born in the Catawba Valley section of Roanoke County, Virginia, on February 13, 1918, being the only son of Houston Henry Layman and Jessie Carper Layman. He was also proud to acknowledge that he was a cousin of Virginia State Senator George Layman of New Castle, in Craig County, Virginia. Robert Layman was a veteran of World War II having served in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946 as an Aviation Metal Smith 2nd Class and after the war, he became an Electrical Contractor and operated the R. H. Layman Electric Company for many years until his retirement. Robert was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Estelle Peters Layman, along with his three sisters, Avis Layman Little, Opal Layman Chambers, and Louise Layman Asberry. Robert was a graduate of Catawba High School, Class of 1935, and although he became a major electrical contractor in the Roanoke Valley area, he enjoyed reminding his friends that his family home in the Catawba Valley did not have electricity until 1938, twenty years after he had been born. Robert is survived by his cousin, Marie Webb Layman; by marriage many nieces and nephews, and his cousin Claude Carter, and by many special and wonderful friends including Frances Marshall, Brian Sheetz, Joyce Lee and Michael and Becky Wilbourn. Robert was an active and faithful member at the Williamson Road Church of the Brethren and he has appreciated the special contacts made by the Pastor and members of that Church, particularly during the years that he has been a resident of Friendship Manor. He was also a longtime member of the Williamson Road Lions Club and the Catawba Ruritan Club. A special thanks is given to all of Robert's caregivers and friends that have assisted him in the last several years.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Robert may be made to Williamson Road Church of the Brethren, 3110 Pioneer Road N.W., Roanoke, VA 24012; or the Roanoke Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 11525, Roanoke, VA 24022; or to a favorite charity. Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, February 6, 2016, at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road, by the Rev. Leah O. Harness. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home, 540-366-0707.