Gerald Layne

Went home to be with the Lord on Monday July 23, 2012 in Irving, TX. Jerry was born on October 11, 1923. He was the son of Elmer Franklin Layne and Emma Layne of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He served his country in the Army Air Corps as a Corporal during World War II. After WWII he married the love of his life, Mary Carolyn Wells. They built their home in Dallas and he lived there for 65 years. He retired from Exxon after many years of service. Jerry loved gardening, traveling, making people laugh and most of all, spending time with his family and friends. He never met a stranger. He was truly one of God's special creations spreading love, warmth and joy wherever he went. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Carolyn Wells Layne and daughter, Nancy Ellen Layne. Survived by Daughter, Patricia Layne Bales and her husband, Ron Bales, Son Roger Neal Layne and his partner, Bill Meri-thew. Grandchildren-Kevin Bales, Keith Bales, Jenifer Melton, Shelley Merithew and Great Grandchildren Katharine Bales, Joey Bales, Bray-den Bales, Ashleigh Boggs, Misteigh Melton, James Melton IV, Summer Shipman, Jessica Shipman, Autumn Shipman and William Valentine. Visitation will be 6:30-8:30p.m., Thursday, July 26, 2012, at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 10a.m. Friday, July 27, 2012, in the Grove Hill Chapel. Burial immediately following. In lieu of flowers, Jerry asked that memorial donations be made to Hidden Acres Conference Center, P.O. Box 851462 Mesquite, Texas 75185-1462.