Fredrick William Layman, Jr.

North Augusta, South Carolina, resident Frederick William Layman, Jr., collegiate football player, successful businessman, avid golfer, beloved husband and father, has died of complications from lung cancer on September 30, 2008. He was 76.

Layman is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jane Murray; four children, Leah Layman (Tony) of Martinez; Robin Layman of Denver; Frederick William Layman III of Evans, and Jill Layman (Fahri Diner) of Menlo Park, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; and his siblings Richard Lee Layman (Iris) of Pittsburgh and Robert Andrew Layman (Elizabeth Phelan) of Kihei, HI. He is predeceased by his parents, Frederick William Layman, Sr., and Leah Quay Schaup both of Pittsburgh, PA.

A longtime member of the Augusta community, Fred was an avid golfer with two “holes in one” to brag about at the 19th Hole. He enjoyed pairing up with his favorite golf partner, his wife Jane. They were members of North Augusta Golf and Country Club, and former members of West Lake Country Club and Jones Creek Golf Club in Evans. The purchase of Forest Hills Racquet Club in 1999 and the acquisition of North Augusta Golf and Country Club in 2007 were two important projects that brought Fred Jr. to Augusta to assist Fred, III in these endeavors.

Fred was National Chain Account executive with Kraft/General Foods Corporation, specializing in sales for the food service division, including such popular brands as Maxwell House Coffee, Yuban, Sanka, Post cereals and Kool-Aid. He was honored with the company’s President’s Award during his career.
His rise through the ranks of General Foods during his 30-year career transported Fred and his family from New York to Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Denver, Connecticut and Atlanta, before he retired to golf’s legendary city, Augusta. He and Jane liked to joke about moving every two years and enjoyed making new friends along the way.

Born September 22, 1932, in Pittsburgh, Fred was an all-around athlete and scholar, the star of the basketball, tennis and football team and President of the Student Forum at Brentwood High School. He attended The Kiski School, a college preparatory school, before receiving a full football scholarship to the University of Maryland, where he was touted as one of the best left-handed quarterbacks in the school’s history. While at Maryland, Fred (No. 32) played under infamous Hall of Fame Coach Jim Tatum as a running back and quarterback before sustaining a career-ending neck injury in a practice scrimmage.
Upon recuperation, Fred served as an offensive and defensive back field coach as well as a scout for the Maryland football team. During his short time coaching, Fred helped take the Terrapins to an undefeated National Championship in 1953. At the 50-year anniversary celebration of the championship, Fred was honored at halftime with the team. He also had the distinction of taking the Terrapins to the Orange Bowl in 1953 and The Queen’s Game in 1957, the first college football game attended by Queen Elizabeth II of England. Fred and his youngest brother, Bob who played for the Terrapins while Fred coached, were both honored last year at the University’s 50th Celebration of the Queen’s Game. Fred’s brother, Dick, was his college roommate and also attended the celebration.

Fred and Jane were married in 1954 at Hamilton Presbyterian Church, the first couple married at the newly built church. With friends and family gathered, they renewed their vows 50 years later with Rev. Lance Chapman officiating.

The family will receive guests at Platt’s Funeral Home at 337 North Belair Road, Evans, GA 706-860-6166 from 6 pm to 8 pm on Friday, October 3, 2008 or Saturday, October 4, 2008 from 4 pm to 6 pm. The funeral service will be at 11.30 am on Sunday, October 5, 2008 in the chapel in Platt’s Funeral Home followed by a reception at the home of Jane Layman in North Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The Fred Layman Memorial Scholarship; to benefit a University of Maryland football student athlete has been established. Donations can be made payable to UMCP Foundations to: Terrapin Club, 2707 Comcast Center, College Park, MD 20742 – 301-314-7020.