Layton Smith was born on January 13, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio to the union of John J. Smith and Gladys M. Smith. He was the second of four siblings; his brother, Donald and sister, Joyce Mariea preceded him in death.

He was a product of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and a graduate of East Technical High School. Upon graduating from High School, he earned an Associate Degree from Cuyahoga Community College, his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Cleveland State and his Master's in Business Administration from Baldwin Wallace College.

Layton spent four years in the United States Army where he was honorably discharged in 1969.

Early in life Layton committed his life to Jesus Christ at the Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in Cleveland under the Pastorate of the Reverend Dr. Odie M. Hoover. He served there for many years.

Layton was married on May 14, 1977, to Joyce Ann Smith and to this union two children were born, Theron and Karis.

Layton began his career in Cleveland, Ohio as Distribution Accountant at the PPG Corporation which transferred him to Pittsburgh, PA in 1978. He was employed there for 14 years.

In 1988 the family moved to Forest, Virginia where he started as the Financial Analyst and eventually became Supervisor of Finance at Abbott Laboratories until his retirement after 27 years. He then moved his career to Virginia University of Lynchburg as the Business Manager. There he remained until he retired again in February 2021.

Upon moving to Virginia, Layton began fellowship with the Cross Road Baptist Church, where he quickly began to serve. There he was a Trustee, led the Finance Committee and also served as church Treasurer for over 10 years. He was very instrumental in developing the sound room that eventually became the Media Committee.

Layton earned many titles but the ones he was most proud of were husband and father. He worked hard to provide for his family and always made sure to be extremely active in his children's lives. He was active in Indian Guides, Boy Scouts, 4-H and the PTA/PTO. After the children were grown, he enjoyed fishing and traveling with his wife. He cherished the time spent with his grandchildren, teaching and playing with them. Layton was very active in the community being part of the Campbell County Voters league and Toastmasters. He was a great proponent for education and always encouraged people to keep learning. He was a great friend to many, always seeking to help as many as possible.

On Monday, December 20, 2021, the Father came for His child. Layton leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memory his loving Wife, Joyce Ann; one son, Theron (April); daughter, Karis; grandchildren, Jaanai, Brooke, Theron, Jr., Raven and Amber; one sister, L. Yvonne (Ronald). He also leaves to mourn two brothers-in-law, Darrell (Rosemary) and Anthony (Norma); a close family friend, Mary Smith; and a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Friday, January 7, 2022 at Crossroads Baptist Church with Dr. William Colman, officiating.  Condolences may be sent to www.Davis-Turner.com .  Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service.

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