Layton Newell Kinnaird, age 90, of Canton, Georgia, passed away Monday November 6, 2023, following an extended illness. Layton was born December 11, 1932, in Atlanta, Georgia, the only child of Layton Newell, Sr., and Cora Alice (Dennard) Kinnaird. He had an active and boisterous boyhood in East Atlanta, graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1950. Following high school, Layton attended Georgia State University before joining the United States Navy where he was elected his company's honor man.

After returning from the Navy, Layton met his future wife, Doris Ann Johnston, at Woodland Hills Baptist Church in Atlanta, and they married there on June 13, 1958, the hottest day recorded in Atlanta that year. There was no air-conditioning, and one bridesmaid fainted, but Layton and "Dot" were off on the start of an active 65-year marriage.

Shortly after his marriage, Layton was employed by the Atlanta Coca Cola Bottling Company.  He worked there for 30 years seeing behind the scenes of many Atlanta restaurants, and eventually working in consumer affairs to resolve customer issues. His personality and ability to talk to anyone made him a perfect choice for dealing with not-so-happy customers. He retired from the company in 1988 and immediately took on babysitting duties for his first grandchild.

Following retirement, Layton enjoyed time with his four grandchildren, attending most of their activities and taking an active role in their lives.  He also enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends, both within the United States and overseas. He was a consummate yard and handy man, enjoying keeping his landscape and home in order, as well as keeping up with any projects requested by his wife.

Above all else, Layton loved his family (including friends who were considered family) and enjoyed being with them. He was a wonderful dad who hilariously entertained his daughters' friends during Saturday morning pancake breakfasts after sleepovers. He loved nothing more than yearly beach trips with family and friends, teaching new generations the art of sandcastle building and successfully jumping ocean waves. He had a well-developed sense of humor, excelling at funny voices, funny stories, and odd sound effects which made long car trips and family gatherings memorable. He was adored by his family and loved them completely in return.

Survivors include Layton's wife, Doris Ann, of Canton, GA; two daughters: Cindy (David) Cooper of Canton, GA, and Kathy (Tim) Burle, of Marietta, GA; four grandchildren:

Lauren (Juan) Diaz of Woodstock, GA; Ryan (Abby) Burle of Gainesville, GA; Amanda Nelson of Dallas, GA, and Jake (Molly) Cooper of Edgewater, CO; six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Lakeside Funeral Home, Woodstock, Georgia with Reverend Paul Leslie officiating. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.

The family will receive friends the day of the funeral beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank Dr. Dean M. Kirkel of Northwest Georgia Oncology, Marietta, GA and Dr. Salvatore Chillemi of North Georgia Kidney Specialists, Marietta, GA not only for their excellent medical care, but also their compassion and concern for Layton over the past six years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of the following:

American Cancer Society, donate.cancer.org

Loving Arms Cancer Outreach, 844 Livingston Centers, Marietta, GA 30067

Southwest Christian Care, 7225 Lester Road Union City, GA 30291
770.969.8354    swchristiancare.org