Layfield Rous

George Layfield Rous peacefully entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on May 8, 2025.  Born on October 2, 1936, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Tommie and George Rous, Layfield lived a life marked by faith, family, and unwavering kindness.

A proud graduate of Chattanooga Central High School (Class of 1956), Layfield went on to attend Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville.  He was a member of the Air Force Reserve for a number of years and was called to duty during The Cuban Missile Crisis.  A passionate sportsman, he loved all athletics but had a special place in his heart for football.  His lifelong devotion to the University of Tennessee Volunteers was known to all who knew him.

Layfield was a faithful member of Central Church of Christ and spent many years volunteering with Meals on Wheels, serving others with quiet dedication.  He never met a stranger, always offering a warm smile and a helping hand.  As one of his grandsons fondly put it, “Whenever Grand-L talks, you listen” — a testament to his gentle wisdom and quick wit.

Layfield moved to Dalton, Georgia, where he began working for Dalton Public Service before founding his own business, R & S Electric.  His company played a key role in the carpet industry, installing many of the machines still in use today.

He loved and cherished his family deeply and took great pride in their lives and accomplishments.  His grandchildren recall countless cherished memories — especially attending football games with him — and his love and legacy live on in each of them.

Layfield was preceded in death by his parents, Tommie and George Rous.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Barbara Sullivan Rous; his children, Dee Dee Rous Bryan (Larry) and Jeff Rous (Essie); his brother, David Rous (Carolyn); and his nephew, Dustin Rous.  He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Chandler Pemberton (David), Conner Pera (Courtney), Robert Pendino (Jess), and Jeffrey Rous (Sydney), as well as four great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy.

A service celebrating Layfield’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 12:00 noon at Central Church of Christ in Dalton, Georgia, with Ministers Josh Holloway, Ross Jordan, and Steve Griggs officiating.  He will be laid to rest following the service at Hamilton Memorial Gardens with Conner Pera, Robert Pendino, Jeffrey Rous, David Pemberton, Daryl Williams, and Dustin Rous serving as pallbearers.

Friends are cordially invited to visit with the family at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the service hour.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the youth group of Central Church of Christ or to a charity of your choice, in honor of Layfield’s generous spirit and lifelong service to others.

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