Obituary of Clifford Paul Layman

Clifford Paul Layman August 7, 1946 - July 12, 2022 Clifford Paul Layman, 75, of Blowing Rock NC died suddenly at home on July 12, 2022 after a long period of declining health. He was born August 7, 1946 in Schenectady NY to Clarence W. and Genevieve C. Green Layman. He is survived by his wife, Holly D'Addurno, of Blowing Rock NC, daughter Emily Brown (Robert) of Cadyville NY, son Clifford Paul "Ford" Layman, Jr. of Blowing Rock, NC, grandchildren Liliana, Mason and Gabriella Brown of Cadyville, NY, sister-in-law Shelley D'Addurno of Austin TX and his constant canine companions, Willis the GSD and Kammie the tripawd. He grew up in Rotterdam, NY, graduated from Draper High School, Schenectady NY in 1964 where he lettered in track and football, which became lifelong hobbies (Go Jets!), along with skiing, a passion he shared with his son. He received a BA in political science from Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY in 1972. A lifelong Democrat and son of a union member, he never shied away from a political discussion, always with kind and gentle words. His belief in justice and fairness for all people was a guiding principle of his life. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War in the US Army Security Agency stationed in Bad Aibling, Germany and then returned to Albany NY where he began his 45 year career in public service in the field of information technology. Starting in New York State, he was a senior systems analyst in the Department of Audit and Control from 1973-80; director of fiscal policy and analysis at the Office of Mental Health from 1980-85 where he met the love of his life, Holly, and began a relationship of over 40 years; and deputy director of electronic data processing at the Unified Court System from 1985-91. Moving to Maryland, he was deputy director of information technology for the MD Department of Public Safety where he developed a system to broaden police access to information with laptops in police cars, winning an award for innovation from the National Governor's Association, and deputy director of the MD Child Support Enforcement Administration where he was appointed to a Congressional advisory committee on welfare reform. In 2000, he moved further south to Raleigh and worked for the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts, becoming the Chief Information Officer and developing innovative systems to guide the courts through Y2K, provide electronic access to court records in police cars, e-filing of court documents, automated background checks and laptops for every judge. He was a founding member and elder of Grace Community Church, going on mission trips to Jamaica and Mexico to build houses and later a member of North Raleigh United Methodist Church, volunteering with the Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network cooking dinners for homeless families. He fostered and transported dogs for the Southeast German Shepherd Rescue, and ran half marathons and led a Light the Night walk team for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society while raising funds to cure cancer. He retired in 2014 and moved to Blowing Rock in 2017 where his family vacationed every year since 2000 and became a member of Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church. Although he enjoyed many career successes, he considered his children Emily and Ford, his greatest achievements. His love for them knew no bounds. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 11 am at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1218 Main ST Blowing Rock NC 28605. The family will receive friends on the lawn after the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Southeast German Shepherd Rescue, PO Box 208, Mooresville NC 28115 or Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church. Austin and Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Layman Family.