After 27 years, Gerald Layne is retiring and closing a meaningful chapter at Sonny Merryman. Currently serving as Director of Procurement in the Parts Department, Gerald’s career has been defined by dedication, long hours, and a willingness to step in wherever he was needed.
Gerald joined Sonny Merryman in December 1998, beginning what would become a long and fulfilling career in the Parts Department at what he describes as the best place he’s ever worked.
Bringing experience from three other dealerships, Gerald started in the warehouse before moving behind the parts counter, transitioning into an order clerk role, and steadily advancing to assistant parts manager and parts manager in 2006. Over the years, Gerald truly did it all, beginning in the warehouse and steadily advancing through roles behind the parts counter and into leadership.
– Gerald Layne, Director of Procurement
Along the way, Gerald played a key role in some of the company’s most important growth initiatives. He helped open three satellite locations, spending significant time assisting with the launch of the Chesapeake store in 2002 and later helping with the Richmond location. He was also instrumental in starting the company’s NAPA operations and getting the Lynchburg City Fleet operation up and running. During that project, Gerald worked 90-hour weeks for nearly a month straight, including long weekends, to ensure everything was operational. His deep understanding of the technical side of parts, bidding, and procurement made him a go-to resource for complex tasks.
– Derek Shelton, Parts Manager
What made Sonny Merryman especially meaningful to Gerald was the family-owned atmosphere. Having worked in a variety of business environments throughout his career, he says, “The personal touch and involvement of the Merryman family is something that truly sets the company apart.”
Some of Gerald’s favorite memories come from traveling with coworkers and attending company events, particularly VAPT. One standout moment was the 2017 conference in Norfolk, when Sonny Merryman sponsored the Big Night Out at the zoo, complete with Floyd Merryman singing the entire bus ride back to the hotel. Moments like these still bring a smile to Gerald’s face.
Outside of work, Gerald’s commitment to service extended far beyond the dealership. He spent 33 years working in EMS and became an instructor, teaching safety and rescue programs across Virginia for the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads. This work has taken him everywhere from Gate City to Virginia Beach. He also teaches at Rescue College in Blacksburg and helped develop rescue courses for the state of Virginia, a program he continues to support today. In addition, he is currently helping write another course that will soon be rolled out statewide. Through these roles, Gerald has built countless connections and takes pride in seeing how widely known and respected the Sonny Merryman name is among first responders, technicians, and transportation professionals across the state.
– Patty Webb, Warranty Manager
Gerald Layne’s leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact on Sonny Merryman’s Parts Department and the people who worked alongside him.
As he looks ahead to retirement, Gerald plans to continue teaching and traveling around the state through programs with the First Responder Association. He also plans to continue riding ATVs, one of his favorite hobbies, and admits he will likely find something part time to stay busy, possibly still connected to parts in some way. After all, as Gerald says, “It’s been a fun ride.”