Edward Dewey Layne Jr.

Edward “Ed” D. Layne, Jr., of 7123 Bridlewood Drive, Trinity, NC, died peacefully December 2, 2018, at Hospice of the Piedmont. With courageous inner strength, from the prayers of many, and his faith in Jesus, he proved to be a true warrior in his fight against cancer.  Born January 24, 1947 in Bristol, VA, Ed was the first of three sons. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward D. Layne, Sr.

Ed completed his college degree, married, and began his career as a teacher in the eventful summer of 1969—all during the same week. On August 15, he married his high school sweetheart, Judith “Judy” Ellen Green of Johnson City.  Son, Robert Edward Layne joyfully completed their family with his adoption on December 16, 2004.

Ed earned a Bachelor of Science from East Tennessee State University, where he was a member of the Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha. He taught at North Junior High School, and also coached football at his high school alma mater, Science Hill. He enjoyed hearing from students and friends up until the time of his death.

In 1974, Ed carried his passion for people into the field of human resources. His 45 year career spanned roles as vice president of human resources at Gordon Furniture of Johnson City, TN; general manager of personnel services at Thomasville Furniture, Thomasville, NC; human resource director for Ethan Allen Upholstery Division in Hickory, NC; and human resource director for Construction Implements Depot of Denton, NC. He also returned briefly to teaching and coaching golf at Wheatmore High School. He loved his work, and retired only after learning he had an aggressive form of cancer.

To those who knew him, Ed had an outgoing personality with a great sense of humor. A broad grin and a firm hand shake were two of his many endearing trademarks. He loved his Lord, family, the great outdoors, sports of all kind, using his green thumb in his yard and stopping to feed the ducks. He was passionate about golf and the Masters Tournament, where he served as a gallery guard for 18 years. By all appearances, Ed never had a bad day, or met a stranger. 

Ed was a past president of the Rotary Club of Johnson City, a Paul Harris Fellow, and president of the Human Resources Division of the American Furniture Manufacturers Association in 1985. He was also active in Junior Achievement programs. He was a member of Munsey Memorial UMC, where he and Judy wed. He was also a member of the United Emmaus Community.  In NC, he served the Thomasville Boys and Girls Club, and was a member of First UMC of High Point, where the adoption service for his son Robert was held. 

He is survived by his wife Judy, son Robert and his 97-year-old mother, Myrtle F. Layne, Johnson City, TN, brothers, Richard “Ric” Layne and wife Deborah of Hudson, FL, and Kim Layne and wife Gail of Jonesborough, TN; brothers-in-law Richard “Dick” Green and wife Karen of Brentwood, TN, and Dr. Thomas “Tom” Green and wife Cathy of Elon, NC; three nieces, four nephews, five great nieces and two great nephews.

Services to honor and celebrate Ed’s life will be held in High Point, NC on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary at First United Methodist Church. Reverend John Fitzgerald and Reverend Dr. Chris Fitzgerald will officiate. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Epworth Room.

Interment will be in Johnson City, TN, on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Monte Vista Cemetery, Garden of the Last Supper. A service in loving memory and Celebration of Life in Johnson City will begin at 2 p.m. at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church later that day. Reverend Douglas Grove-DeJarnett and Reverend Jeremy Dykes will officiate, with a reception to follow in the Gathering Place/Fellowship Hall.   

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 512 North Main Street, High Point, NC 27260 or Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 S. Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601. Cumby Family Funeral Service in High Point is serving the Layne family in NC.  Arrangements in TN are under the direction of Monte Vista Memorial Park, Johnson City. Condolences may be made at www.montevista.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward Dewey Layne Jr., please visit our floral store.