Sam Layne (Sammie Dwayne Layne), 89, of Bethel Township, Pennsylvania, passed away at home on September 24, 2026.

Born September 15, 1937, in Arkansas, he moved to West Chester, Pennsylvania, as a young child and grew up in Garnet Valley, PA. He met his wife, Joan (née England), while they were both attending Media High School. They married shortly after graduation and celebrated 70 years of marriage in June 2026. Together, they built their home and raised their family in Bethel Township.

He worked his entire career at Bell Atlantic (later Verizon) before "retiring" and co-founding Layne Communications, a business where he was blessed to work alongside his son Tom for many years.

A man of strong faith, he attended Elam United Methodist in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, married there, and eventually served on its board for many years. Later in life, he was a contributing member of Chichester Wesleyan. He valued his health, hairline, and eyesight, never missing a chance to remind anyone who would listen that he still had all of them. He even ran seven miles to mark his 70th birthday.

He believed in helping the people and places around him, whether that meant lending a hand, working alongside someone, or giving to a cause in need. He supported his church as well as organizations including the local fire and EMS stations, Friends Association, City Team, Widener University, Billy Graham, and the Fellowship of Christians and Jews, among many others. Giving back to his community made him happy.

He seemed to know everybody. He treasured breakfasts at the diner with friends he had known since high school and from his working years. He loved a good joke, Phillies games, desserts, and thought-provoking word search puzzles. 

Above all, he loved being with his family. Sunday dinners were a treasured staple in his home, growing from just his children and their spouses to an entire legacy of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many, many in-laws. Just days before his passing, more than 40 loved ones gathered to celebrate his 89th birthday. He was surrounded by the family he had helped build, never missing a chance to crack a joke with them.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; his children and their spouses, Jean Dingle (Jay), Tom Layne (Val), Linda Devinney (Tom), Bob Layne (Mary Ann), John Layne (Kristen), 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; his brother, Clint, and many more family and friends. He was predeceased by his siblings Travis, Loriece, and Hap, and daughter-in-law Norma Lynn.

Viewing: Thursday, October 1, 2026, 10:00am-11:00am at Elam United Methodist Church 1073 Smithbridge Rd., Glen Mills, PA 19342. Funeral Service: Thursday, October 1, 2026, 11:00am at Elam United Methodist Church. Burial: Elam United Methodist Church Cemetery. In Lieu of Flowers: Donations may be made in Sam's honor to the Chichester United Wesleyan Church at https://www.chiunited.org/