Joe Raiford Laycock

NORTHPORT | Joe Raiford Laycock, age 51, of Northport, died July 18, 2015, at DCH Regional Medical Center. Services will be 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North with Bro. Dan Williams officiating and guest speaker, Ricky Burch. Visitation will be two hours prior to services at the funeral home.
He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur H. Laycock; and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Boyd and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Laycock.
Survivors include his wife, Belinda Hill Laycock; daughters, Courtney Laycock Waller (Michael) and Joey Elizabeth Laycock; brother, Lynn Laycock (Sheri); and mother, Carolyn Laycock.
Joey was born September 28, 1963 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. He attended Holt High School and graduated with the class of 1981. Joey's love for music developed early and he learned to play the guitar, piano, bass, drums, and countless other instruments by the age of 13. Joey dedicated his professional life to music and, specifically to the development of young new artists in the Tuscaloosa area. During his 31 year musical career he recorded multiple albums, served as a sit-in musician, sold musical instruments, and was in multiple bands, most notably Silver Creek and MOJO Trio. He served as a mentor and inspiration to countless young artists. He garnered the respect of all affiliated with the music industry in Tuscaloosa and the surrounding areas. He was largely regarded as the best guitarist in the area.
Joey met his wife, Belinda, in November of 1984, and they were married on August 9, 1986. He loved her deeply for 29 years and remained an adoring husband and soulmate to her throughout their life together. Their 2 daughters, Courtney (27) and Joey (19), were his heart. He lived and breathed for them. Despite his many personal and professional accomplishments, Joey regarded his proudest and happiest moments as those he spent with his girls and celebrating their lives and milestones.
Joey's wife, Belinda, owns and operates a family daycare home that provided Joey another outlet to touch lives. To those children in her care, he was known as "Pop", a kind and gentle man who was adored by the children he helped raise. Among these were his 3 godsons, Zachary, Alexander, and Matthew Nelson, and his loving niece, Leslie Laycock. Joey also played the role of mentor and role model to his 2 nephews, Lance and Logan Hill.
In all areas of his life, Joey loved deeply and served others. He lived by the philosophy that all people should be valued, no matter their station in life. Because of this, that love was returned and all who met him felt only the fondest regard and the deepest respect. We, the family and friends of Joey Laycock, will love and miss him forever.
Honorary pallbearers are Tom Hill, Ricky Burch, Chuck Sawyer, Doug Nelson, Micah Hill, Barry Brown, Brad Bricken, Buddy Wyatt, Bradley Wyatt, Roger Burroughs, Mickey Pierce, Barry Herring, Jacky Sims, and Mike Chain.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Playing for Change Foundation Stand by Me Scholarship Program at www.playingforchange.org.