Obituary – Dr. Thomas Orville Layman

Dr. Thomas Orville Layman, DDS, 96, of Henrico, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2020. He lived an extraordinary life. Tom was born to Fred & Clementine Layman March 19, 1924 in Richmond, VA. He spent summers with his grandparents in Fincastle, VA learning about farming and living a purposeful life. He went to John Marshall High School, serving as a Captain in the Cadet Corps, graduating in 1941. Attending VMI, as his brother, Frederick Layman, Jr. had, was his dream. He was a member of the Class of '46, being called up for military service with the legendary 8th Army Air Corps Bomb Group, serving in England during WW II. After the war, he graduated from University of Richmond and went on to MCV Dental School, graduating in 1952. His call to be of service led him to providing dental care for residents of the Boy's Home as well as those in his private practice for 62 years. He is survived by his sister, Joan McGee (Norman); nephew, Thomas Daniel Layman; nieces, Valerie J. Layman, Laurie M. Spiers (David), and Julie M. Middleton (Tim). He was on the Board of the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center, the Boys & Girls Home, a charter member of The Westwood Club, a Past Master of Westhampton Lodge #302, AF & AM, Member of the Scottish Rite KCCH & Guard, and a 33rd Degree IGH. Family and friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 13, 2020 at the West Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad St. A private interment will be held in Westhampton Memorial Park. If you are ill or have concerns about potential exposure to pathogens, the family request online condolences be made at bennettfuneralhomes.com. In keeping with his deep respect of his time at VMI, donations can be made in his memory to the Institute. He can also be remembered in donations to the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center, the Virginia Boys & Girls Home, or VCU Dental School.