William Layburn

William Max Layburn was born October 19, 1923 to Robert English Layburn and Elizabeth Koerner Layburn in West New York, New Jersey. He and his siblings Robert, Elizabeth, and Don excelled in their studies and learned the value of family from their parents. Bill served in the US Naval Air Force as a radioman and gunner in the first night fighter squadron aboard the U.S.S. Independence in the South Pacific theater during World War 2.

On June 11,1949 he married Elizabeth Delphine Allen. Together they raised their family in faith and in love. They were married for over 60 years at the time of her passing in 2009. Bill earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering at New Jersey Institute of Technology and worked at Western Electric (AT&T) for 36 years. He transferred to Atlanta from New Jersey in 1963 to establish a data center in the recently formed Regional Engineering and Service Center. During his years in Atlanta Bill was active in church and community affairs. He helped in the formation of Holy Cross parish and was active in the Knights of Columbus rising to top positions at local and state levels. He was active with the Indian Guides, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts during his son's formative years. Bill also contributed his talents and energy to community organizations including a youth motivation program in the Atlanta school system, the Auditory Education Center, and the executive board of Goodwill Industries of North Georgia for over 30 years. He was a consultant with the Atlanta Executive Service Corps specializing in strategic planning and board formation. Bill served as an election poll worker with the DeKalb County Election Board and volunteered at the Atlanta Food Bank and Crossroads Community Ministries soup kitchen.

Bill married Elizabeth Joan Duncan Layburn in 2012 and spent his remaining years loving and being loved.

William was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth (Betty), his parents, his infant son William Allen Layburn, his brothers and sister and granddaughter Beth Hollingsworth.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Joan; his children Barbara Layburn Hollingsworth (Hugh) of Jasper, Georgia; Mark Layburn of Decatur, GA; stepdaughter Sara Duncan and stepson Daniel (Hannah) Duncan in Delaware. Surviving grandchildren are Travis Mann (Mahaley) of Odenville, Alabama; Jason Mann (Melanie) of High Point, North Carolina; Emily Sachau and Greyson Duncan; and great-grandchildren Trevor Mann; Trey Mann; Kaley Thimm (Matthew); Catherine Mann; Leah Mann; and Xander Mann; and great-great grandchildren Maverick Thimm; Hayden Thimm; Charleigh and Brenna Thimm. Bill is also survived by cousins Ruth Koerner and Janet Knecht and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Bill will be remembered for the love he showered upon everyone, including Francine Sitkoski, Sharon Morrow, and Father Jude Michael Krill.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 1st at 11 AM at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Atlanta. The family will receive friends starting at 10 AM.

Burial will follow at Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Tucker.