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Zed Layson Obituary

LAYSON Zed Clark (Chip) IV, 36, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Fri, Sep 7, 2007. Chip was born Dec 21, 1970 in Atlanta, GA to Zed Clark Layson Jr and Blanche (Bunny) Anderson. He was a 1989 graduate of Lake Highland Preparatory School, and after earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in 1993, he returned to Lake Highland where he served as teacher, coach and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) leader for nearly 15 years. Chip also earned a Master of Arts in History from the University of Central Florida. Chip was a member of Summit Church of Orlando. Chip loved teaching, surfing, biking and running. As teacher, mentor and coach, he touched the lives of thousands of students. He was an amazing light to everyone who knew and loved him and we will be truly missed. In addition to his parents, Chip is survived by his wife of 11 years, Heather Lynn Harris Layson, and their three beautiful children, Zed Clark Layson V, Caroline Grace Layson and Harris McIntyre Layson, all of Winter Park, FL. He is also survived by step parents, Pamela Robb Layson and George Anderson; his sisters, Ashley Vann, Kathy McCrea, Evelyn Wilson; brothers, Ben Wilson, Brian Vann and Ted McCrea; his lifelong friend, Haley Bronson; and his many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles cousins and in-laws whom he adored. A Celebration of Chip's life will be held on Wed, Sep 12th at 10am at the School he loved so much and where he touched the lives of so many, Lake Highland Prepatory School, Middle School campus, Bourne Chapel, 741 N. Mills Ave, Orlando, FL. Afterwards, a remembrance reception will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church, 338 E. Lyman Ave, Winter Park, FL, followed by a graveside service for immediate family. Visitation will be from 6-8pm Tue at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 140 N. Orlando Ave, Suite 260, Winter Park, FL 32789.

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Published by Lexington Herald-Leader from Sep. 11 to Sep. 12, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Zed Layson

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Mari Parsons

September 21, 2007

Dear Heather and family,
Its with such profound sadness that I write you this note. Chip was one of the nicest and kindest men I have ever met. I always looked forward to his bear hugs at youth, his smile of geniune friendship and the fellowship we shared. He was truly the epitome of a "Man of God", it just glowed all around him. He truly touched my life and I know I am blessed for having known him. May God give you the strength, comfort and his continued abiding love through these times. With heartfelt condolences, Mari and Cliff Parsons

Becky (Lorenz) Buchanan

September 15, 2007

Mr. Layson is my absolute favorite teacher of all time. His passion and sincerity is who I modeled my ideal husband from, and I enjoyed going back to visit him after I graduated from LHP in 2001. As a mother of two, I cannot imagine how Heather is getting through the loss of her husband and partner...my prayers are with Heather and their three gorgeous children.

Stephanie Gallagher Cox

September 14, 2007

It is with great saddness that I heard of the loss. My deepest sympathy goes to his family. It was an honor to be apart of the first soccer team he coached. Chip made such a positive influence on my life, one you never forget.
Stephane Gallagher Cox
Class of 96

Trey Adcock

September 13, 2007

Chip was my tennis coach while I was at Lake HIghland and made a profound impact on me. He came to watch me play several times at UF and I never forgot his support and pride in watching me compete. I have followed in his footsteps as an educator in Savannah, GA for 5 years. After every school year I reasses what it means to be a "good" teacher. Chip defined what it meant to be a good teacher. Someone who is patient, kind, demanding, and inspiring both in the classrooom and out of it. I was deeply saddened by the news of Chips passing but will honor him the best way I know how and that is to follow his examples with kids I now teach.

T.A.

Ashley (Brand) VanDerMark

September 13, 2007

I, too, went to high school with Chip. What I remember most about him was what an upstanding guy he was... never a harsh word about anyone and always a smile on his face... an amazing human being. We will continue to life your entire family up in prayer.

Shannon Borkoski

September 13, 2007

Mr Layson was my middle school american history teacher in the year 2000. He was and always will be my favorite teacher, even now I still think of how much I enjoyed his class and his kind heart. The Layson family will be in my prayers.

Jimmy and Marisa Bryan

September 13, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this difficult period. We just got to know Clay last Spring when he coached my son, James in soccer. James and Caroline were on the same team. He was such a great individual. You could tell he loved coaching and was so wonderful with the children. We felt blessed to have met him. May God Bless you and your family.

Bobbie and Earl Elbert

September 12, 2007

We have known Chip and his parents since we moved to Orlando in 1987. Our son Matt attended Lake Highland Prep and was fortunate to find such a wonderful classmate as Chip who became his friend forever. Not a single day is promised to us, and Chip was grateful for every day as demonstrated by how he lived. His many friends, students, co-workers, and most of all his family will miss him. Our deepest sympathy is extended to you.

Mike Hider

September 12, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of mourning and healing. Chip will always be an exemplary human being.
The Hider Family. Class of 88.

Bill and Jackie Harris

September 12, 2007

Heather:
The Word of God is alive and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword...and just think, Chip is face-to-face with the only true powerful God that gives us all the strength to know that no matter what comes our way, He is the light and power that will get us through.
We are never given more than we can handle.
We love you Zed, Caroline, and Harris and are just a phone call away.

Amy Rosenfelt

September 12, 2007

Heather and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Amy Rosenfelt

Derek Warner

September 12, 2007

Katie and I pray for stength and healing during this difficult time. Heather, please know our small prayer group will be there for you now and the days to follow to support and love you and your family. GOD bless.

Lucy Letton

September 12, 2007

Zed and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm not sure I ever met Chip, but your family remains dear to mine. I pray God gives you comfort during this time of grief.

Heather Mikes

September 12, 2007

The services this morning at LHP were beautiful. It was touching to see so many friends and family come together to celebrate Chip's life and offer support for Heather and their children. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Tanya Hastler

September 12, 2007

Heather, you have my deepest sympathy at this time. May the Lord bless you, hold you tightly in his hands and lift you up at this time. I will continue to pray for you and the children.

MARCIA HOLBROOK AND JIMMY LOVE

September 12, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Peggy Sweeney

September 11, 2007

Chip ws such a nice guy. When I worked at LHPS he always stopped by my office for advice and to share a joke or fun antidote. His smiling face and kind demeanor will be greatly missed by all.

Jean Theobald

September 11, 2007

Heather, you and all of the Layson family are in my thoughts and prayers. I enjoyed knowing Chip.

Melanie Humphrey

September 11, 2007

John and I send our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Heather and their children and to all in the Layson, Wilson, Anderson, and Lake Highland families. Chip's legacy is enormous. He will forever be in the hearts of all who knew him and forever in the kingdom of God.

Debbie Komanski

September 11, 2007

Dear Layson Family and his extended LHP family:
Our family will always cherish our memories of Chip as he taught, mentored and coached our sons Ryan and Chris during their years at LHP. Chris and all of the members of the varsity soccer team ('99-'03) were inspired to be their best by Chip. He instilled a sense of loyalty, pride and love in each and every person he met. There are no words to ease the excruciating pain Heather, the children and Chip's entire family are going through with his loss. We offer our prayers of peace to be with each and every one of you.

Our deepest sympathy,
Debbie, Walt, Ryan (LHP Class of 1999) and Chris Komanski (LHP Class of 2003) and our foreign exchange student "son" from 2002-2003, Sebastian Lederer.

Chris Steinhaus

September 11, 2007

It has been years since I talked to Chip, but I knew him since junior high and played football with him at Lake Highland. My heart goes out to his family, close friends and students, and in spite of this tragedy, it must make them proud to have known such a special person.

My little brother looked up to Chip when he was one of stars on LHPS's football team - so much so that he named his stuffed animal-dog after him. I have been glad to read over the last couple of days that this admiration seemed to follow him throughout his life and was shared by hundreds of others as well. Can you pay a person a higher compliment?

Bobbie Winslow

September 11, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you. May your faith in God comfort you during this very difficult time.

Christy Block

September 11, 2007

Chip was the truest of friends, and, the finest of men. I thank God for so many great memories of him. To his family,I offer my heartfelt condolences. Certainly there are no words of comfort besides these: he is now with God and in a perfect place. My love to Chip's folks, brothers, sisters, Heather & children. Truly,if there's anything at all I can do to help out, through this or hereafter, please don't hesitate to ask.
Sincerely yours,

Brad Barnard

September 11, 2007

Heather it seems like yesterday you and Chip would stop by and say hi to Paul and I at Fairbanks.Chip always had the quality to bring a smile to everyones face.Both of your hearts have always been filled with God's love.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Scott Hunt

September 11, 2007

Heather and Family,

We were so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you all are in our prayers.

Carrie Reid

September 11, 2007

Like so, so many others, I had Mr. Layson as a teacher at LHP. He was always the teacher whose class you actually enjoyed going to. He acted as a friend and mentor to so many. He still stands out in my heart more than 10 years later. I thank his parents and family for sharing such a wonderful person with us, even if it was only for a short time. I hope you are proud in knowing that Mr. Layson will live on through the thousands of lives that he touched. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Maryanne Kravitz

September 11, 2007

Dear Heather,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. We have many fond memories of soccer games with Chip when he coached our son, BJ, at LHPS for many years. I know our Lord has welcomed Chip home and that HE will watch over you and your children. May the outpouring of love and affection from Chip's many friends and co-workers here at LHPS comfort you.
Sincerely, Len, Maryanne, BJ & Amy Kravitz

David Madison

September 11, 2007

Our sincere condolences to Chip’s family and the family of Lake Highland. We are praying that God will comfort you one and all through this loss. If there is anything we can do to help, please do not hesitate to call.

Pat Hethcote

September 11, 2007

Dear Heather, you are in my thoughts and prayers. This will be the hardest thing you will ever have to do. May God give you strength. I watched a video last night of the two of you in St. Augustine (memories). I will contact you in about 2-3 weeks. Please call me if you need help. Stay strong, but always let the tears flow, it is healing. Love you, Pat Hethcote

Amy Ahl Hutto

September 11, 2007

My prayers and thoughts are with the entire Layson family. I have fond memories of Chip from High School. He'll be missed!!!

Bob and Kim Bates

September 11, 2007

Chip will be missed by so many people. He was a true friend and an all around gentleman. Kind hearted and genuine, he touched many lives and his memory will live on. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Layson family.

Jennifer Ireland

September 11, 2007

We here at Lake HIghland will continue to pray for you and the entire family. Please know that we all want to help and support you in any way that we can.

Wayne Talbott

September 11, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with your family in this time of sorrow. I did not know Chip well but he invited me to Lake Highland to meet Max Starks and always spoke when we'd run into each other at the YMCA. He was a fine gentleman and will be missed by all who's lives he touched. Wayne Talbott, Physical Education Teacher, Audubon Park Elementary School

J Lynn & Jean Pflug

September 11, 2007

God's Speed and God's Blessings Always to all of Chip's family and friends.

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