RALEIGH — Fred William Layton, 83, formerly of Louisburg, NC, died Saturday at his home in Raleigh where he resided with his son and daughter-in-law. He was constantly surrounded by his loving family and friends as he adjusted to a life with cancer by showing dignity and grace. 

He was a native of Franklin County, the son of the late Robert Henry Layton and Katie Perry Layton. He proudly served his country in WWII as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army Infantry and fought bravely on the frontlines of battle in the Philippines. Upon his return home from the war, he married the one and only love of his life, Lela Faye Swanson. They moved to Raleigh to live, work, and start a family.  Fred was a professional barber for 57 years, having owned and operated barber shops in Raleigh and later in Louisburg when he moved back to his home community. He loved the Lord, his family, his church, his community, and his many friends. He was a kind, gentle, giving, Godly man who taught us much and will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

His funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. Monday at Duke Memorial Baptist Church in the Justice community near Louisburg.  Burial was at the church cemetery. 

He is survived by his son, the Rev. Jerry Layton and daughter-in-law, the Rev. Faith Layton; a special niece whom he helped raise, Teresa Perry, and husband Everett; sisters, Mildred Shearin, Sadie Ashmore and Ruth Ann Clark; grandchildren, Eric Layton and wife Laurie, Christi Phillippie and husband Bryan, Jeff Pollard and wife Leslie, Julie Maurizzio and husband Vinnie; 11 beloved great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Faye Swanson Layton; sisters, Frances Demarest, Katie Denning, Roberta Boone, Marguerite Joyner and Dorothy Edwards.

Flowers accepted or memorials may be made to the Duke Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund, 3676 NC Hwy 581, Spring Hope, NC 27882 or to Hospice of Wake County, 1300 St. Mary’s Street, Raleigh, NC 27605.

The family received friends from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Sunday at Strickland Funeral Home, 103 W. Franklin St., Louisburg, NC.

Paid Obituary