Roydice “Beard” Everett Layfield

Roydice “Beard” Everett Layfield

Roydice “Beard” Everett Layfield, 85, of Cairo, WV, passed away surrounded by loved ones on October 21, 2025, at The Arbor’s in Marietta, OH. He was the kind of man who turned strangers into friends and neighbors into family.

Born May 19, 1940, in Parkersburg to the late Jesse and Mildred (Kerns) Layfield, Roydice spent his life in Cairo and Petroleum. He was hardworking, patient, and dependable- with a spark of orneriness that never faded.

Roydice retired five times because he loved working with people. He spent 34 years at DuPont Washington Works, later working at North Bend State Park, North Bend Golf Course, Ritchie County Schools, and Park Tours. He also served 17 years as Mayor of Cairo and was a member of Cisco Community Church. Known for his generosity, he was happiest helping others.

He is survived by his son, Ernie Layfield of Marietta; daughter-in-law, Becky Layfield (Rodney) of Little Hocking; sisters, Lucille Williams (Jed) and Carolyn Boston of Harrisville; grandchildren, Cassidi Shoaf (Justin) of Cairo and Carter Layfield (Aurora) of Asheville, NC; mother of his grandchildren, Melissa Hoff Nichols (Terry) of Cairo; and great-grandchildren, Aviella, Judah, Hadassah, and Ellia Shoaf, and Lucas “Sunny” Layfield.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Shirley (Morrison) Layfield; son, Rodney Layfield; brother, Curtis “Luke” Layfield (Betty); and brother-in-law, John Boston.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, October 24, 2025, at Raiguel Funeral Home, Harrisville, with Jeff Layfield and Clyde Border officiating. Burial will follow in the Cairo IOOF Cemetery. Friends may visit Thursday from 4-8 PM. All are asked to wear Ritchie County or WVU attire. Online condolences may be shared at McCulloughRaiguel.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ritchie County Athletic Boosters.

Thank you to all of the extraordinary healthcare employees who cared for him, especially Dr. Jennifer Leavitt and staff.

He leaves behind a community and family steadied by his kindness, shaped by his example, and forever grateful for a life well lived in service, love, and joy.