Clarence Patrick "CP" Layman, Jr.

Clarence Patrick “C.P.” Layman Jr., of Salem, Virginia, passed peacefully with his daughters at his side at the VA Medical Center in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 24, 2021. C.P. was born on June 23, 1944, in Roanoke, Virginia to Pat and Evelyn Layman, both of whom precede him.

C.P. grew up in Martinsville then later moved to Roanoke, Virginia where he attended Andrew Lewis High School before joining the Air Force in 1963. He served proudly and his service afforded him the opportunity to travel the world and serve his country during those early years of the Vietnam War. Following an honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1969, he returned home, married, and began attending Roanoke College, from which he graduated while working full time for the Salem Police Department. It was during his collegiate years that he earned the nickname, the “Book Toting Policeman” all while supporting a young family. C.P. was the first Chief of Police for the Salem VA Medical Center before going to work in Supply Services where he spent over 36 years with the Department of Veterans Affairs. After leaving Salem for Dayton, OH, he went on to serve in Philadelphia, PA, Gainesville, FL, Brooklyn, NY, and Tampa, FL before retiring and returning to his beloved Salem.

Returning home as a retiree, C.P. spent his days doing the things he loved best: golfing, riding his Harley Davidson, traveling, eating many Texas Tavern burgers and Roanoke Weiner Stand hotdogs, and most importantly, caring for his beloved mother and doting on his daughters and grandchildren. When his mother became unable to live alone, he spent less time doing the things he loved and more time caring for her until she passed in 2015.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Leisa Layman Mundy and Ginger (J.R.) Layman Rose, both of Roanoke; grandson, Jayce Taylor; granddaughter, Harley Rose; special “adopted” grandchildren, Emma Jane and Sydney Jane, as well as many special friends and colleagues from over the years.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, from 1-3 PM and 6-8 PM at John M. Oakey and Son Funeral Home. A service with military honors will be held on Thursday, July 29, 2021, at 11 AM in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Warren Carswell officiating. Interment immediately following at Sherwood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Children’s Ministry of Southview United Methodist Church, 3539 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, Va. 24019, or Salem Rescue Squad, 201 S. Broad St., Salem, Va. 24153.