Johnie W. Layne Sr.

Johnie W. Layne Sr. age 77, born on December 2, 1938 and long time resident of Sissonville WV passed peacefully in his sleep on September 13 2016 after a stroke related illness. He received the call home of the sort that you can't refuse, for a journey to meet our blessed and beloved maker, and a joyful reunion with the many family and friends he has not seen in a very long time. Johnie was especially proud of all of his grown children and grandchildren, and greatly looked forward to seeing his family whenever he could. He found a quiet joy and fulfillment in the precious moments he spent with his great grandchildren too. Johnie was married in his young life to Kay Glenith Haynes (now deceased) who passed in 1973. As a young widower he bravely raised three children on his own, working hard to keep his family as one with more than a little help from caring family members and friends. He worked most his life as a carpenter by trade and belonged to the Carpenters Local 1207 until his retirement. In later years he was a business man for several years with a drinking establishment near his home that was a good source of retirement life and entertainment for him. He had so many caring friends, and was well liked by most everyone he met. He had a larger-than-life personality, and would often use very colorful language in most any conversation. If you first met him, he at times came off as a gruff individual, but it was only his unique one-of-a-kind style! To those who did know him, he was a caring person to anyone in need. Johnie also led an active social life right up to his last days without ever leaving his own front yard. A handful of steadfast friends often came by several times a week to sit outside, or on the porch with him and spin some tall tales. It goes without saying that Johnie will be missed by all his family and many friends. We know that he felt knowing and loving each and every one of them, was what made his life the richest of all. Johnie is preceded in death by his wife, Kay G. Layne; his parents, Howard F. Layne and Delphia M. (Young) Layne; his sisters; Wilma (and Clyde) Halstead, and Denise Harless, and his brother Peter (and Wanda) Layne. Johnie is survived by his youngest brother Hershel H. Layne (and wife SaraJean) of Black Mountain NC; Three children: eldest daughter Denise M. Layne of St. Albans, WV, his son John (Jay) Layne II (and wife Karla Johnson-Layne) of Sissonville, WV, and his youngest daughter Leah Renee Myers (and husband Matthew Myers); he had 5 grandchildren, Christine Layne Jones, Zachary Layne, Jayde Layne Rogers, Shad Layne, and Chase Myers; as well as 3 great grandchildren, Harlow, Lennox and Mason. He also left behind several beloved nieces and nephews. Per his wishes there will be no memorial services, however should you wish you may mail a card to the family at his address: 502 Rena Drive Charleston, WV 25312 or leave an online memory, story or condolence with the family at a special tribute page in his memory at: http://tributes.com/johnlayne Everyone who remembers him is asked to celebrate and remember Johnie's colorful life in their own way. Raising a glass for a toast would be quite appropriate, as would sharing a story or laugh you had with him. And last but not least, we will always be eternally grateful for the following... A simple thank you would never be enough for how we feel to two extraordinary women, Wilma Haynes and Diana Hanshaw Sheets. Both of whom Johnie loved and cared for deeply for many years, and who were both by his and our family's side in this difficult time, who also brought such love and comfort to Johnie in his last days here with us. Another warm and grateful thank you to all the wonderful doctors, nurses and support staff at Thomas Memorial and the Hubbard House Hospice West in South Charleston for their top notch care and help. In lieu of any flowers or contributions, we suggest to volunteer any time you might find to showing some care and attention to those folks who are in nursing homes or hospice facilities. Money cannot replace or buy love, but acting with love and an open heart will always leave us richer.