Paul Ray Layton
ayton Paul Ray Layton, 84, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, at his home in Waco, Texas. Visitation with the family was from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at Oak Crest Funeral Home in Waco. Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Shanks Cemetery in Kirvin, near Teague ,at the intersection of FM 950 and FM 80. The Rev. Kip Osborne, pastor of Western Heights Baptist Church in Waco, where Paul and his wife, June, were long-time members, officiated.
Paul was born in Teague on Dec. 11, 1937. He attended Teague schools all his life where he excelled in basketball, graduating in 1956. He was a proud member of the 1956 District 21-A Champions Teague Lions basketball team. Paul was a hard worker and never backed down from a challenge. He got his first job at the age of nine as a special letter carrier, and his driver’s license at the age of 13. Following high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He proudly served in the Army and in the Reserves through 1967 and took great pride in being an accomplished sharpshooter and marksman. Paul spent his career as a professional truck driver, working for Teague Brick & Tile and then Central Freight Lines where he retired in 2001. During his tenure with Central Freight, he was honored to be a member of the 10th of a Century Club, served as a driver’s instructor, and received many accolades for his safe driving and professionalism. In his career he drove over 3,000,000 miles throughout the state of Texas. Paul was a true man of faith and served his Lord and Savior in the role of a deacon, becoming ordained in 1972. He also served on numerous committees serving the home bound, widows and children’s ministries. He had an amazing sense of humor and loved the outdoors. He also loved the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Cowboys, Baylor Bears and the Mean Green of The University of North Texas.
Paul was welcomed into heaven by the love of his life, his wife June who preceded him in death in October 2017. He and June were married for 56 years. He was also preceded in death by brothers Gwen and Donald Layton. Paul is survived by his daughter, Paula Layton Barnes and husband Gaylen of Lorena; son, David Layton of Denton; grandsons, Brett Wiggins of College Station and Reid Layton of Fayetteville, Ark.; granddaughter, Sara Eades of West; brother, Johnny Layton and wife Evenda of Teague; sisters-in-law, Sadie Layton and Peggy Everitt; and several nephews and a niece.
Honorary pallbearers wee his grandsons and nephews. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Carter BloodCare or Marine Toys for Tots. Those who wish may sign the online Guestbook at www. oakcrestwaco.com.