Tom Layton (1938-2008) - I am sad to report that our good friend Tom Layton died on October 30th. Tom was an excellent banjo player and a good guy to be around. He was a devout Christian who played with several bluegrass gospel groups, but his musical interests were many and diverse. Originally from the Washington, D.C. region, Tom knew many legendary pickers and was good friends with several of the original Country Gentlemen. We will miss him at the Smyth County Jam.
Tom moved around quite a bit following his retirement as a police officer, always in search of a good music scene and jam session. We should all be thankful that we got a chance to become his friend and to pick with him. His music made the world a happier, better place; now, that same world mourns the silence of his rippling five-string.
In Memorandum
John Thomas Layton – 70, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away Thursday – October 30, 2008, in a local hospital. He was preceded in death by his father, John Berry Layton, sister, Virginia Chadwick and son, John Thomas Layton, Jr. He was a member of Lyndon Avenue Baptist Church and served as the facilities director.
Mr. Layton retired from the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. He had a great love for blue grass music and enjoyed playing the banjo. Survivors include his five children, Bonnie Gail Carpenter, Huntingtown, MD., Robert Paul Layton, Baltimore, MD., David Wayne Layton, Chattanooga, TN., Bryan James Layton, Baltimore, MD., Juanita Ann Shepherd, Vancouver, WA., 10 grandchildren, Robbie, Christina, Sarah, Johnny, Paul, Jacquelyn, Caroline, Jonathan, Lauren, Rachel, three great grandchildren, Mikayla, Kevin, Petey, mother, Mazella Layton, Silver Springs, MD., two sisters, June Henson, Rockville, MD., Dottie Herrington, Frederick, MD., and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday in the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Pastor Wayne Layton officiating. Interment will follow in New McDonald Cemetery in Ooltewah, TN.
