Winter Park, Florida – Zed Clark Layson, Jr. (87) died peacefully at home on April 22, 2024. He was born in Lexington, KY on March 23, 1937, to Zed Clark Layson, Sr. and Sarah Louise McIntyre Layson. He graduated from Millersburg Military Institute in Millersburg, KY in 1955, received a BS degree from Duke University, and a MA degree from Washington University in St. Louis.
Zed went on to teach mathematics in Kansas City, MO before moving to Rochester, NY and Atlanta, GA where he worked with Kodak and Ross Perot’s Electronic Data Systems. He moved to Winter Park where he went on to have a successful career in banking with The First F.A. and commercial real estate with Crossman & Co. Zed was a member of All Saints Church where he served on the vestry and was actively involved in civic and charitable organizations in Central Florida. He taught Crown Ministries and the importance of stewardship, tithing, and sharing our gifts. He was a counselor for Good News Jail & Prison Ministry, believing that everyone, no matter who they are or what they’ve done, has inherent worth in the eyes of God. He also faithfully served El Hogar Ministry, The Stephen Ministry, the Downtown Rotary Club of Orlando, and was a founding board member of Victory Cup Initiative.
He loved sports and playing tennis, and cherished spending time with his family. Zed carried on tradition, bringing extended family together to Hilton Head Island for over 40 years to reconnect, celebrate, and create memories that will last a lifetime. In times of trouble or need, Zed always wisely reminded us that, “the Lord is in charge.”
Zed was a loving husband and father and is survived by his wife, Pam, and their children, Bennett (Misty) Wilson, Kathy (Ted) McCrea, Evelyn Wilson, and Ashley (Brian) Vann. He was preceded in death by his son, Zed “Chip” Layson IV. He adored his family and was immensely proud of his five children and twelve grandchildren. Zed will be remembered as a kind, loving and generous man, not only by his family, but also by the many others whose lives he touched and served alongside.
His service will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Winter Park on Thursday, May 16 at 11 a.m.