Samuel Edward Layne “Ed”

Samuel Edward Layne "Ed", 77, of Rustburg, VA lost his courageous battle with progressive supranuclear palsy. He passed away Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, at Lynchburg Health & Rehabilitation Center.  He was a loving and devoted husband to Linda Crider Layne.

He was born in Cullen, VA on September 8, 1932 to the late Spencer Hatcher Layne and Marion Allen Layne.

He graduated from Randolph Henry High School and attended Phillips Business College.  He served his country in the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airborne Division.

Mr. Layne was a 32º Mason and a member of Carter Lodge #123 in Blairs, and Hill City Lodge #183 in Lynchburg, where he had received his 50-year certificate. He was a member of Memorial Christian Church where he had served as an Elder.

In addition to Ed\"™s love of family and friends, he had enjoyed riding his Harley motorcycle, fishing in Alaska, hunting, and shooting sporting clays.  He was a member of the Brushy Mountain Club in Gretna.

He was the president and owner of Layne\"™s Copy Products in Danville from 1975 to 1993.  During this time, he also opened offices in Lynchburg and Roanoke.

In addition to his wife, Linda, he is survived by his children: Gregory Edward Layne and  wife, Tracy of Hinesville, GA, Steven Sager Elliott and wife, Sherri of High Point, NC, Angela DeVon Layne of Fayetteville, NC, Katherine Lee Layne and a very special son, Don Ayers, Jr. both of Lynchburg. He is also survived by grandchildren; Jonathon Edward Pearson, Steven Sager Elliott, II, Emily Anne Elliott, Matthew Gregory Layne, Gregory Philip Samuel Layne, Ryan Edward Patterson Layne and Emily Marie Layne.

Surviving brothers and sisters:  Spencer Layne of Lock Haven, PA, Floyd Layne and wife, Aggie of Mill Hall, PA, Oliver Layne and wife, Evelyn, Norman Layne and wife, Ida, all of Cullen, VA, Ted Layne and wife, Georgie of Farmville, VA, Billy Layne and wife, Elsie of Victoria, VA, Nelson Layne and wife, Loretta of Dillwyn, VA, Virginia Frangowlakis of Salem, VA, Ruth Ferguson of Farmville, VA, Florence Pierce and husband, Billy of Henderson, NC, Roberta Willis and husband, Charles of St. Paul, VA, and Gloria Adams and husband, Kendall of Cullen, VA.  Also:  Sisters-in-law, Janie Grey Layne and Annette Layne. He is survived by his first wife Ilean Lipscomb Layne of Lynchburg.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his second wife, Barbara Jones Layne, and four brothers: Carol Layne, Elbert Layne, Monroe Layne and Louis Alvan Layne.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. tonight, April 7, 2010 at Tharp Funeral Home Lynchburg. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday April 8, 2010 at Memorial Christian Church with the Rev. Virgil Knipp and the Rev. Sue Knipp officiating. Masonic Rites and Military Honors to be performed by American Legion Post #16 at the committal in Fort Hill Memorial Park.

The family wishes to thank his very special personal caregivers Sherry Martin and Ashleigh Dodgion who cared for him for over two years and were like family members.  We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Lynchburg Health & Rehab Center who made his time there feel like home. A very special thanks to the East Wing staff who provided such gentle, loving care.

The family suggests those wishing to make memorial contributions consider either Memorial Christian Church, 615 Perrymont Ave., Lynchburg, VA or to the Rustburg Rescue Squad P.O. Box 281 Rustburg, VA 24588.  Flowers are welcome.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, 434-237-9424.