W8CCR - September 12, 2004

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Laymon J. Knicely Kingsport, TN QCWA # 8382

Laymon J. Knicely, 90, formerly of Clarksburg, WV became a silent key September 12, 2004. His health had been failing the last few years and he had moved from WV to Kingsport, TN where he lived with a non ham son. His sons installed antennas and helped set up a station that he used into this past summer.

Laymon was born in Braxton County, WV September 14, 1914, the first of five children. He was a World War II veteran and a member of the Knights of Pythias. He was a distinguished member of the Quarter Century Wireless Association and recently received their 50 Year Anniversary Certificate as a licensed radio amateur. He was active with WV Chapter 30 for many years.

Laymon has been best described as an all around good guy, a quiet man . He was an Elmer to many folks around central West Virginia during the 50's and 60's. He taught code and theory to both young and old. He would then administer FCC examinations long before anyone ever thought about a VE system. When it came time for the testing, he was firm and tough, not cutting anyone slack on the code. He was active with the Stonewall Jackson Radio Club, always taking charge of the CW tent at field day and dragging his non ham sons along for the weekend.

Laymon worked for the Equitable Gas Company where he started as a lineman with their telephone system. He moved into supervision and helped expand their communication system from phones into a microwave system and FM radios. His enthusiasm for exploring new technology at work also carried into ham radio. He was an early supporter of using repeater systems and merging computers into use with ham radio activities.

Laymon's favorite mode was CW for many years. He was a serious rag chewer and a casual DXer. As his fingers became stiff in later years and he began to have trouble sending CW, he shifted modes to SSB and 2 meter FM where he still lover to rag chew.

There will be a memorial service for Laymon at 10 AM Saturday September 25, 2004 at the chapel at Floral Hills Cemetery, Clarksburg, WV.