Joseph Andrew Layman

Joseph A. Layman passed away peacefully on October 28, 2024. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight L. and Mary E. Fulk Layman of Harrisonburg, his eldest son, William (Bill), eldest brother James (Jim), brother in-laws James Castner and Raymond Loster. Joe is survived by his wife Sally Earman Layman of 65 years, son Dan Layman (Stacy), siblings Ruth Castner, Bimpy (Becka), Mary Loster, Charlie (Belinda), sister in-law Charlotte, granddaughter Sara Jackson (Hunter) and a large number of nieces and nephews. Joe was born on September 18, 1936, in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Joe grew up on the family farm, a local landmark recognized as Layman's Trestle. In earlier days, the C & W railroad had a large wooden trestle that was located on the farm. Joe was the fourth generation of Layman's raised on the farm. As Joe completed his education, he left for Ohio to live with his aunt and uncle and began working at Youngstown Steel Door, a manufacturer of railroad boxcar doors and specialty rail cars. With a keen eye for detail, an aptitude for machining, and a sense for problem solving, he started his apprenticeship as a machinist. A company slow down leading to a large layoff gave Joe reason to return to Harrisonburg and back to the farm for employment. It was during this time that Joe met Sally, the love of his life. Following their wedding in June 1959, they moved to Ohio to begin their marriage of 65 years. A letter of invitation to join the service soon arrived and Joe began his military service in the Army. Stationed at Fort Bragg, Joe was able to utilize his training as a machinist, developing his skill and training as a tool and die maker. During this time in service, Joe became a father with the birth of his first son, William (Bill). Upon completing his service, he and his family returned to Ohio and his career with Youngstown Steel Door. Following his return and settling back into life in Ohio, a second son Daniel (Dan) was born, followed by the building of their new home and enjoying a wonderful family life. Travel, camping, and exploring the outdoors, Joe and his family spent their vacation time visiting nearly all the states and national parks. He also enjoyed continuous home improvements, always with an eye for detail. Moving back to Harrisonburg in 1990, they built a beautiful home on the family farm enjoying wonderful views of the surrounding farmland and mountains. To get closer to their son Dan, in 2008 they decided to relocate to Midlothian, Virginia. The family will receive friends from 1:00- 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 9th, 2024. A celebration of life will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Woody's Funeral Home 1020 Huguenot Rd. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank friends and neighbors along with extended family for all the support given during this difficult time.