Bruce Anthony Layman
The evening of October 29, 2026 upended the world we had been accustomed to. Our beloved husband, father, son, brother and grandfather, Bruce Anthony Layman was called by God to his eternal home as the result of a blown steer tire on the box truck he so enjoyed driving.
Born to Wayne & Wylenia Bowman Layman on October 18, 1966, his earthly journey was just a few days longer than 60 years.
Bruce grew into a jolly child and always searched for answers. This seeking of answers resulted in a strong faith in Jesus Christ, with water baptism for remission of sins on July 26, 1981.
Bruce and I, Pamela Lynn Jamison Layman, were joined in marriage on April 1, 1989. While we hoped for many more years together, we are very grateful for and thoroughly enjoyed our 37 years as husband and wife. Our marriage was gifted with 5 children, Clint Ivan, Clarke Irvan, Clyde Aaron, Claudia Renee and Clive Andrew. Living life as the parents of four sons and one daughter brought many busy and special times to our lives. Spouses for children came and they fit our family so well: Tonya, Laura, Christina and Laine. Making it more complete was the arrival of our eight grandchildren, Evelynn Grace, Vivienne Rose, Dana Marie, Indie Jolynn, Isla Kate, Flint Atticus, Branson Wayne and Myra Kinsley. Bruce loved all his children the same, and tried to be a fair and equal father and grandfather to all. He was a wonderful husband and provider for his family, both naturally and spiritually. He believed and lived a literal application of God’s Holy Word. Bruce believed in and engaged the family altar and daily bible reading. Our children learned to read aloud from the Bible and reciting Bible verses was encouraged by their father. Bruce was a man of principle and self-discipline and he expected this from his wife and children. His standards were high, and praise was genuine and not given frivolously. He encouraged us to learn, and read the word! As the years passed on, they found us in several churches, which gained us many close, like-minded brethren and sisters we call friends. Bruce cherished his friends from all walks of life. At his passing, Bruce was a member of the Old Brethren Congregation located near Bradford, Ohio. Though the time was short, he loved this congregation dearly.
Bruce was a farmer at heart, he truly thrived on figuring out how things ticked, either in the machinery line or feeding animals. In 1993, he embarked on what became his legacy here on earth when he began working for Exchange Milling as their salesman. Due to the providence of God and Bruce’s great self-discipline and diligent management, this evolved into us eventually being the sole owners of the “mill” as it is lovingly known. This ownership gave us numerous opportunities to serve others, which we have truly enjoyed. We were keenly aware of the value of customers, and some of them are like extended family. The business world granted many chances to travel for agricultural related endeavors, which we enjoyed muchly. Bruce’s farming and animal nutrition knowledge was extensive, be it on products from milk replacer to fertilizer or feed additives to butterfat production. The Ag world knew Bruce as a resourceful businessman and honest worker. The Franklin County Business Community knew Bruce as a no frills and honest businessman. His gift of conversationalism brought many friends, customers and business comrades to his office, sometimes for no other reason than to just discuss life!
Bruce has met his reward, but his life lives on in those of us left behind, His devoted and faithful wife and business partner, our children and grandchildren, Clint, Tonya, Evelynn & Vivienne Layman, of Glade Hill, VA; Clarke, Laura, Indie & Flint Layman, of Wirtz, VA; Clyde, Christina, Dana, Isla, Branson & Myra Layman, of Boones Mill, VA; Claudia & Laine Rutrough of Rocky Mount, VA, and Clive Layman who still resides at our home.
Bruce also leaves his parents, Wayne & Wylenia Bowman Layman of Wirtz, VA.; his two sisters and their husbands; Brenae & Greg Hubbard and Beth and Jeff Beckner both of Wirtz, Va. He also leaves his in-laws, Walter and MarySue Miller Jamison of Troutville, VA. A sister-in-law, Janet and Del Montgomery, of Englewood, OH, and brother-in-law Stephen and Laura Jamison of Troutville, VA. He also leaves many nieces and nephews that he cherished.
Our family circles have been broken, with voids created in so many ways. While we have questions that will never be answered, we know that Bruce would not want us to question God’s timing or plan, only to be submissive to the plan. Our hearts hurt and are heavy with so many things, but our faith is not shaken, for we know Bruce is in a better place where we hope to join him someday! As Bruce reminded us many times from the book of Job, …“the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord…”
We sincerely thank everyone for the food, thoughts, texts, phone calls, tears, hugs and most of all the prayers. We will all miss Bruce on some level as he was different things to different people. May you all be blessed and our Great God glorified. We extend great appreciation to Lee Flora and staff at Flora Funeral Service for their extensive help and guidance through Bruce’s sudden passing. We extend great gratitude to the Franklin Heights Church family for their willingness to share.
A visitation is planned for Tuesday, November 3, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral is planned for Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 2 p.m. All of this is planned to take place at Franklin Heights Church sanctuary. There will be a private burial to honor Bruce’s preferences.
Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.
