Roy M. "Butch" Laye Jr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Roy M. Laye Jr. was born on October 16th, 1948, in Charlotte, NC. Butch (as he was known to his friends and family) passed away of natural causes on May 18th, 2022, in Murrells Inlet, SC. Butch is survived by a loving family: His mother Anne, wife Vivian, two sons Kevin and Taylor, daughter Mandy, step daughters Courtney and Lindsay, grandchildren Caitlin, Jaxson, Savannah and Elliott. Butch was preceded in death by his father, Roy Sr., and maternal grandparents Lawson and Eva Henderson. Butch spent his childhood in Cramerton, NC, a small mill town 20 miles west of Charlotte. Butch graduated from Cramerton High School in 1966 where he was a star football and basketball player. Alongside sports, Butch spent most of his days at the Cramerton swimming pool where he was known to be a kamikaze off the high dive. Butch also mastered taekwondo and would eventually become a 2nd degree black belt. In 1967, immediately after graduating high school, Butch enlisted in the United States Air Force to serve in the Vietnam War. As a military police officer, Butch would spend time in Illinois, New York, and Thailand. Unfortunately, during his time in Southeast Asia, Butch would be exposed to Agent Orange. A chemical that would later greatly impact his quality of life. Although his military time was short, just over four years, he was extremely proud to have served his country and fully supported all branches of the military until his recent passing. After his honorable discharge from the US Air Force, Butch would go on to receive an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Gaston College and would become a proud member of the Cramerton Police and Fire Departments. Over the next few decades, Butch led many operational teams within the air freight, courier, and automotive industries. Butch loved to watch his kids participate in various recreational events. However, Butch’s dedication and enthusiasm did not stop with his kids. In the 80’s, Butch volunteered to coach multiple Gaston County traveling soccer teams without knowing much about the sport. Butch was a natural born leader and wanted to ensure local kids had a chance to play against the best competition in NC. He made a lasting impact on numerous lives in the community and was always so excited to see his former players around town. During the early 90’s, Belmont residents knew Butch as the radio voice of the South Point High School Red Raiders football team. Butch loved football and enjoyed calling games with his dear friends. Through his fervent storytelling, he could make you feel as if you were at the Super Bowl instead of a local high school football game. Butch also loved local politics. He was a persistent speaker at Cramerton town hall meetings and could always be seen at the polling station during election days. He loved Cramerton, the people of Cramerton, and always had the town's best interest in mind. For many years Butch participated and rode proudly with the NC Patriots Guard. He relished riding his motorcycle with his fellow Patriot Guard brothers to honor fallen military heroes. Butch was happily married to Vivian Laye. For 30 years, through the good times and bad times, they were glued together at the hip. For the last 11 years, Butch was able to live out his dream and retire at the beach. Even as he dealt with multiple health issues, he lived life to the fullest. Whether it was camping somewhere across the US or just driving his golf cart around Garden City Beach, he loved life. Everyone who knew Butch over his 73 years will miss his sarcasm and great sense of humor. Butch had the ability to make anyone laugh at any time - no matter the situation. This trait allowed him to hit every curveball thrown his way out of the ballpark. Butch’s personality allowed him to keep perspective and tackle adversity with positivity, braveness, and courageousness. A casual Celebration of Life service will take place at City Church, 3100 City Church St. in Gastonia, NC on June 10th from 10:30 to 12:00pm ET. The family openly welcomes all family and friends to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that a donation be made in Butch’s name to either Tunnel to Towers (www.t2t.org) or Hope 4 Gaston (www.hope4gaston.com). Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is serving the family.

Tributes

Roy M. "Butch" Laye Jr.

October 16, 1948 - May 18, 2022