Layton Hubert “Tony” Beverage, 52, of Gloucester, Va., and formerly of Marlinton, West Virginia, passed away on Sept. 1, 2014.

Tony served as an educator for 26 years. He started his career in education at Smithfield High School, Isle of Wight County, in 1984 as a teacher where he taught U.S. History and served as varsity head football coach. He, also, served as Assistant Principal of Forest Elementary/Middle School in Bedford County, as Principal of Hamilton-Holmes Middle School in King William County, as Assistant Superintendent of Instruction for Nelson County Public Schools, prior to coming to Gloucester County in 2005 to be the Principal of Gloucester High School. Tony served as Gloucester High School Principal until his retirement in May 2014.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Studies Education from Fairmont State College in 1984, a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the College of William and Mary in 1989, and a Doctorate Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia in 2003. He was named 2010 Outstanding Principal by the University of Virginia Curry School of Education and was named 2009 Outstanding Youth Advocate by the Gloucester County Youth Commission. He was a member of the Gloucester Point Rotary and served as Rotary President in 2008-2009. When not working for the betterment of children through his service in the field of education, he enjoyed gardening, fishing, spending time with family and friends, the beach and hiking on the mountains of West Virginia.  

He is survived by his wife, Sandra H. Beverage; son, Lon D. Beverage; daughter, Hannah R. Beverage; his parents, Layton H. and Hannah K. Beverage; his brother, Charles H. Beverage and his wife, Marilyn; his in-laws, Keith D. and A. Rose Hughes; his cat, Cuddles, and many close friends who will greatly miss him.

A memorial service for Tony will be held at the Gloucester High School Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, at 3:30 p.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donations to the Dr. Layton H. “Tony” Beverage Scholarship Fund at Gloucester High School, 6680 Short Lane, Gloucester, Va. 23061. These funds will be used to support a yearly scholarship for a graduating senior.  

If the measure of a man is determined by the size of his heart, Tony Beverage’s limitless love for his family, friends and those he served during his career in education will be his everlasting legacy. Until we see him again, we will remember his unfailing good nature and the lessons he taught us about living and loving others.