Cecil Gordon Layman Jr.

1928 - 2023

LAYMAN, Cecil Gordon, Jr., 94, widower of the late Ruth Katherine Huffman Layman, passed away on January 24, 2023 at his residence in Augusta County.

Cecil was born on October 28, 1928 in Waynesboro to the late Cecil Gordon Sr. and Anna Fowlkes Layman.

The majority of his career was spent as the principal of Riverheads High School for 26 years and also served as a teacher and coach. Cecil served on the Augusta County Board of Equalization and Board of Assessors, serving as chairman; was a past member of the Spottswood Ruritan Club and Phi Delta Kappa; and served two terms as president of the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals. Following retirement, Cecil worked for the U.S. Census Bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce and as an usher at UVA events through RMC Events.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army following the Korean Conflict. He taught English at the American school in Japan.

Cecil was inducted into the Riverheads High School Red Pride Hall of Fame in 2000 and into the Virginia High School League Hall of Fame in 2003.

He is survived by his sons, Douglas E. Layman and his wife, Diane of Fishersville; and M. Scott Layman and his wife, Joy of Fort Thomas, Kentucky; his daughter, Deborah Layman Will of Glen Allen; his grandchildren, Amy Thorne and her husband, Matt, Danielle Coffey and her husband, Derick, Andrew Will, Brian Will and his wife, Maggie, Parker Schell and his wife, Courtney, Bailey Schell, Carson Schell and Tyler Layman; and three great-grandchildren, Elijah Thorne, Jude Schell and Dominic Coffey. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and special friends too numerous to name.

In addition to his wife and parents, Cecil was preceded in death by his brother, George Ellwood Layman; and son-in-law, David Edwin Will.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 29 at 3 p.m. at Riverheads High School, 19 Howardsville Road, Staunton, Va. with the Rev. John Ward officiating; the family will receive friends two hours prior to the service.

A private family burial will be held at Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Sarah Hill officiating.

Pallbearers are Derick Coffey, Bruce Layman, Mark Layman, Finley Lotts, Max Lowe, Larry Misenheimer, Jim Stout, and Matt Thorne. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Carie Buckley, Dr. Jaime Escanellas, session members of Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church and present and past members of the RHS faculty.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church (6410 Lee Jackson Highway, Steeles Tavern, Va. 24476) or to the Cecil G. Layman Scholarship Fund at Riverheads High School (19 Howardsville Road, Staunton, Va. 24401).

Arrangements are being handled by Henry Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.henryfuneralhome.net.