Layton Gerald Smith, Jr. of Lorena, Texas passed away on June 23, 2026 at the age of 74 at the home he built in Lorena. He was born on May 11, 1952 to Layton Gerald Smith, Sr. and Dorothy Mae Erlanson Smith in Waco, Texas.

He graduated from Richfield High School in 1970 and had an early career in construction, where he was primarily a bricklayer, while also helping out his dad with his mechanic work. He dedicated almost 40 years to working as a clerk at the US Post Office in Waco, where he was a familiar face to many over the years.

Layton married Bettie Gray Nyander of Waco on April 7, 1984, and together they built a life and a home in Lorena, sharing 42 years of marriage. Layton was a proud Texan who loved the simple things in life, like fishing on the Bosque, camping at Lake Waco, country music, and the annual dove hunt with friends. He was always a busybody who would volunteer for manual labor for fun, and took pride in the years he spent helping elderly neighbors with their yardwork and working at the church food pantry.

Layton was a natural people person, quick with a joke, full of stories, and never at a loss for conversation. He was equally an animal person, the kind who couldn't resist leaving food out for a stray cat and who would shed some tears when a friend's dog passed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Layton and Dorothy Smith; sister, Cindy Barnes; and numerous beloved pets: Goldie, Sparky, Baron, Minnie, Maggie, Pancho, Tiny, Jed, Josie, Zena, Dixie, and Abby.

He is survived by his wife, Bettie; children: Brett Smith, and wife Colleen, Angela Gillmeister, and husband Kyle, Kelly Smith, and wife Renee, and Chastity Nyander and partner Brady McPeak; grandchildren: Noah, Asher, and Luke Smith, Cord Gillmeister, Rachel Rodgers, Jason, Aubree, and Sarah Smith, Koby and Alanah Eddleman, and Caleb Nyander; great-grandchildren: Brylie, Camden, and Kye Rodgers; close cousins Lance, Bonnie, and Logan Erlanson, and his beloved dog, Buck.

He will be dearly missed by his congregation at FBC Lorena and the many friends who shared in the good times over the years.