Norman Reynolds Layne

FAYETTEVILLE - Dr. Norman R. Layne Jr., 66, of 1922 Partridge Court, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, June 27, 2012. Dr. Layne was born in Burbank, Calif., and was the youngest child of the late Norman R. Layne Sr. and Mary Ann Layne. The son of an Air Force officer, Dr. Layne grew up in many different states, including New Mexico, Alabama and California, and in Newfoundland. While enrolled at the University of Georgia, Dr. Layne was drafted into the Army and served honorably for two years. Upon his honorable discharge, he continued at the University of Georgia and earned his bachelor's degree, master's degree and doctorate in sociology. Dr. Layne taught sociology at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro for two years. He then began teaching sociology at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 1977 and continued teaching there until his death. He also worked as a program consultant for the past 18 years at various programs, including the WISH program, the Cascade program and the Day by Day Treatment Center. Dr. Layne is survived by many family members and friends who will forever miss his kind, gentle spirit, quiet strength, patience and humor. Dr. Layne's greatest joy in life was being a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and teacher, and he leaves a legacy of living compassionately. Traveling and exploring the world with Christina brought Dr. Layne immeasurable joy. Dr. Layne is survived by his loving wife of 31, years, Christina, as well as their beloved dog, Morgan. He is also survived by two daughters, Wendy Layne and Sara Layne Coble; son-in-law, Christopher Coble; granddaughter, Madelyn Coble; sister, Catherine Meisten; brother-in-law, John Meisten; two nieces, Deborah Nagarajan and Kimberly Meisten. He also is survived by his loving stepchildren, Mark Blashfield, Matt Blashfield and wife, Stacey Blashfield, Anne Schrader, Dean Doucette and wife, Lisa Doucette, Heidi Doucette Benton and husband Lance Benton. He also is survived by his beloved stepgrandchildren, Adam Doucette, Jordan Doucette and Emelia Benton. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 2, 2012, in Sullivan's Highland Funeral Service & Crematory, at 601 Ramsey St. in Fayetteville. Private viewing for family and close friends will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.