Kent Layne
LYNDHURST – Russell Kent Layne, 65, passed away Tuesday March 11, 2025.
He was born February 1, 1960 in Staunton, the son of Don G. Layne and Nancy (Sellers) Layne of Waynesboro. He was a 1978 graduate of Waynesboro High School where he formed lifelong friends and enjoyed being part of the football team’s “chain link defense.” He served in the U. S. Air Force and was employed by Nibco as a tool and die maker for 26 years prior to retirement.
Affectionately known as “Polar Bear,” he was a compassionate and generous son, brother, uncle and friend. The gals in his life knew they were special to Kent when they heard him call out, “Hey Sugar!” His devotion to his parents was truly remarkable – he stopped by to check on them nearly every morning, and stayed connected and supportive in so many ways.
He was a storehouse of knowledge – a reliable resource in all sorts of subjects. Not surprisingly, he was a dedicated fan of “Jeopardy.” He enjoyed relating stories and adventures from his youth that were quite entertaining. He especially loved to encourage kids, always ready with a supply of stickers, toys and stories. Noah, Wren and Harley were special little neighborhood friends to Kent. He also had a special knack for helping friends and strangers alike, whenever he saw a need.
Kent enjoyed collecting coins, guns, gemstones, fishing poles – and friends. He was happiest when he could: get a line wet, throw darts, enjoy a motorcycle ride, buy a lottery ticket, appreciate a full moon, take long drives in the country or wherever the wind blew.
In addition to his parents he is survived by two sisters, Kim Layne Quesenbery (George Kate) and Kelly Layne Price; nieces and nephew Logan Quesenbery (Patrick Williams), Haley Quesenbery, Tara Swartz Pate (Chase Pate), and Grant Swartz; great-niece Evie Williams; great-nephew Holden Williams; and “great-Baby Pate” on the way; in addition to numerous aunts, uncles and cousins from the large, extended Sellers family.
According to Kent’s wishes, there will be no formal ceremony. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at Bear Funeral Home in Churchville.
Memorials may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105) or to RARO Adventures (300A White Street Lexington VA 24450), which is a program that promotes outdoor activities for kids, including fishing, kayaking and hunter safety training (please note “in memory of Kent Layne” in memo).
“Tight lines and screaming reels!” In honor of Kent, please take a kid fishing.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.bearfuneralhome.com.
