James Layton

James Floyd Layton

MILFORD - J. Floyd Layton passed away peacefully on Friday, February 6, 2015 in Largo, Florida with his loving family by his side.  He was 85.

Floyd was born in Milford on September 1, 1929, son of the late James K. and Lulu B. (Hammond) Layton.

After graduating from Milford High School in 1948, Floyd received his business degree from Beacom College.

He served in the 142nd Fighter Squadron of the Delaware Air National Guard during the Korean War until October, 1952.

On June 13, 1953, Floyd married Nora Lee Willis of Church Hill, Maryland.  They had two children, Debra Lee and Jeffrey Floyd Layton.

He was employed as Controller for Fisher Furniture in Milford for 8 years and later, for Wharton and Barnard for 25 years. Retiring in 1991, he continued as a consultant for many years.  He and his wife, Nora Lee, owned Layton Accounting.

Floyd was actively involved in many community organizations.  He served on the Advisory Board of Delaware Technical and Community College for 12 years and was a member and past President of the Milford Jaycees. He was also a long time member of the Shawnee Country Club. Floyd was a 43 year member and former secretary of the Temple Lodge #9 A.F. & A.M. in Milford, was in the Scottish Rite of Masonry and was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #3 in Milford.

Floyd was devoted to his faith. As a 61 year member of the Avenue United Methodist Church in Milford, joining on March 3, 1954, he served as the Financial Secretary for 20 years. He was active as an usher, participated in many church activities, and was an honored recipient of the Laity Award.

In addition to his parents, Floyd was preceded in death by his first wife of 33 years, Nora Lee Willis Layton, a brother, Robert Louis Layton, and a step-son, Alan Pearce.

Floyd is survived by his wife of 24 years, Jean B. Layton; a daughter, Debra Lee Layton Harvey; a son, Jeffrey Floyd Layton; four grandchildren, John Van Willis Harvey, E. Thomas Harvey, IV, James William Layton Harvey, and Caitlyn Elizabeth Harvey; a great-granddaughter, Viena Cali Harvey; a step-son, Greg Pearce and wife, Carol; a step-daughter-in-law, Deborah Pearce; and six step-grandchildren, Alan, Aaron, Brandon, Jonathon, Meaghan, and Shannon Pearce.

A viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2015, followed by a Masonic Service and church service at the Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 N. Church St, Milford.

Burial will follow the services in Barratt’s Chapel Cemetery, Frederica.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to Centreville Layton School, 6201 Kennett Pike, Centreville, DE, 19807 and Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 N. Church Street, Milford, DE  19963.