Reverend Ray Layton

Reverend Ray Layton of Enterprise, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2026. He was 77 years old.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home & Crematory with Reverend Royce Morrow and Reverend Randy Kuhn officiating. Burial will follow at Meadowlawn Cemetery with Sorrells Funeral Home & Crematory of Enterprise directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home the evening prior to the service on Saturday March 14, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

Mr. Layton was born August 31, 1948, to the late Fred and Irene Sipper Layton. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife, Valinda Layton, and his brother, Fred Coley Layton. Reverend Layton was a man who committed his life to faithfully serving the Lord alongside his wife of 52 years. His ministry spanned over 50 years as he served as pastor of many churches in the area, most recently leading the congregation at Grace Assembly of God. Even in the hospital and rehab he still ministered to those around him, always concerned for the salvation of the lost to the very end. 

Ray was a family man who was dedicated to his family, especially his precious grandchildren. He developed deep bonds with every member of his family, and he would use the relationships he built with his children as examples in his ministry, testifying to the importance of raising a family on solid, biblical foundation. Ray believed and often expressed to others that it is never too late to build relationships with the ones you love.

Survivors include his children, Cynthia Stricklin (Paul) and Chad Layton (Melissa), both of Enterprise; sister, Elaine Anderson; brother-in-law, Tony Bradley (Darlene); and three grandchildren, Skylar Stricklin (Abie), Chase Layton (Lynsey) and Abby Layton.