Billy Gene Layman

Billy Gene Layman, beloved Husband, Father, Granddad, and Great Granddad, went home to Heaven on November 8, 2025, at the age of 93 years.

He was the youngest of four children born to Kenneth C Layman, Sr and Eva Dutte Mabry in Coeburn, VA.

He was born on January 16, 1932, in Coeburn, Virginia, and attended Oak Hill Academy, a private, co-educational, Baptist-affiliated secondary boarding school in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. It was here that he met the love of his life, Irma Lee Blevins. At 19 and 17 years of age, they married in Green Cove, Virginia on July 6, 1951. Together they built a beautiful life over 71 years of marriage. Even after Irma’s passing three years prior, Billy continued to cherish the life and family they created.

Immediately upon completing high school, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army and served honorably during the Korean War. Following his military service, he began a long and distinguished career with the National Security Agency, where he worked until his retirement.

He faced life’s challenges head-on and approached everything he did with determination and excellence. He was never afraid of hard work. Growing up in extreme poverty, he worked tirelessly to better himself and build a life grounded in hard work, determination, and integrity.

More than anything, he loved his family – his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was kind and respectful to all and had a way of making everyone feel special.

Billy was preceded in death by his wife, Irma, both his parents, Kenneth and Eva, and all three of his siblings: Kenneth, Jr, Robert & Patricia.

He is survived by his daughter Annette (Layman) Risley, son Roger Layman, five grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Billy will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife in the quiet country churchyard of her childhood home in Green Cove, Virginia, surrounded by generations of her family. It is a place rich with memories, heritage, and love, and where their love story continues in peace.