RONNY MICHAEL LAYTON JR.

LUGOFF - Ronny Michael Layton Jr., 57, died on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Lugoff. He spent his final moments doing what he loved - performing with his band, Area 43, and riding his motorcycle.

Better known as Mike "Head" Layton, Mike was the husband of Anna Josey Layton. She was the love of his life and truly made him feel complete.

He was born on Dec. 11, 1964, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to Ronny M. Layton Sr. and the late Dyane Hopkins Layton. He spent his working career in the car industry and was a past general manager at Jones Chevrolet in Sumter. More than anything, Mike loved God, his family, motorcycles and music. He was a strong believer in Jesus Christ, exemplified through his life and interactions with others.

Mike was the lead singer of the band Area 43. He loved singing and playing the drums. He was an avid drum collector and had an affinity for vintage Ludwigs. He was a true biker and lived the motto "Ride to Live, Live to Ride" every single day. He was a proud member of the Carolina Rebels Motorcycle Club. And finally, Mike loved Counting Crows. He shared that love with his daughter, Kristen, for the last 25 years. Some of the best days of his life were spent on the front row of a Counting Crows concert with his daughter by his side.

Survivors include his wife of Lugoff; his father and stepmother, Robbie of Bethune; three children, Kristen Quilty (Michael) of West Columbia, Erica Holden of Elgin and Ryan Holden (Devon) of Sumter; four grandchildren, Mala' Khi Cantey, Oakley Quilty, Annaleigh Holden and Austin Eichmeir; one brother, Chris Layton (Melonie) of Manning; two nieces; two nephews; and his CRMC brothers.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home. The family asks that you come as you are. Be prepared to laugh, sing a little, and share a story or two about Mike.

Honorary pallbearers will be his Carolina Rebels brothers and Area 43 bandmates.

Memorials may be sent to the Kershaw County Humane Society, 128 Black River Road, Camden, SC 29020.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.