Glenn Richard Layton
On May 31, 2026, the world lost a good man, Glenn Richard Layton.
Glenn was born in Somers Point, New Jersey, on May 9, 1962, the favorite child of Flossie and Dick Layton, who predeceased him in the 1980s. His joyful, prankster spirit was honed early on his siblings, Cathy Layton (Pete Russell) and Lee Layton (Karrie, and daughters Miranda and Alexandra).
Glenn’s love of the salt life began almost immediately after moving to Sarasota at age eight, where a small boat and a large bay awaited his daily discoveries. From that moment on, he was rarely without a rod and reel.
He graduated from Riverview High School in 1980 as a proud member of the Kiltie Band. Whether serenading symphonic music on his alto saxophone or blasting it like a foghorn to announce his arrival home, Glenn made sure everyone knew he was there.
After a brief but formative stay at University of Florida, Glenn relocated to his adopted hometown of Jacksonville. He graduated magna cum laude in 1984 from University of North Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, a vocation that would become his life’s work and passion.
Construction was in his blood from the beginning. His first jobs as a teenager included construction site cleanup and roofing. He understood hard work, but he also knew he wanted to build something of his own. Following college, he worked as an estimator for a painting contractor and later for a homebuilding company before being recruited by his mentor and friend, Howard White, to join North Florida Builders.
Building homes was never simply a profession for Glenn—it was a calling.
The creation of Glenn Layton Homes in 2010 fulfilled his ultimate dream. Alongside his partner and friend, John Harris, he built one of the most respected homebuilding companies in Northeast Florida. Employees became friends, and those friends became family.
In 2013, Glenn achieved national recognition when his company was selected to build the first HGTV Smart Home. While he often joked that the project cost him several years of sanity, it also elevated his company and showcased the quality, craftsmanship, and integrity that defined his work.
Glenn was a proud member of the Northeast Florida Builders Association. He served as its president in 2009, as a member of its Board of Directors, and on the Board of Directors for Builders Care. He also served as Chair of the UNF Construction Management Advisory Board and on the Dean’s Leadership Council. Glenn received many accolades during his career, including his final professional honor, the Arnold Tritt Legacy Award.
His vision extended far beyond business. Glenn devoted himself to serving his university, his industry, his community, and his faith in Jesus Christ. He believed success carried a responsibility to give back, and he did so generously. Throughout his illness, Glenn was quick to say “God is good.” to anyone who would listen.
Of all his accomplishments, Glenn was proudest of his family.
His daughter, Mallory Layton, was the apple of his eye, an enormous source of pride, and the joyful companion on countless drives soundtracked by Frank Sinatra. His son, Clark Fouraker (Lillian), continually amazed him with his curiosity and intelligence. Glenn and Clark shared a great love for the Florida Gators.
Clark and Lillian honored him by naming their first child, Layton Thomas Fouraker (5), after him. Glenn was also blessed to know and hold Layton’s little sister, Langley Jayne (1), whose arrival brought him a peaceful joy.
Glenn had no idea how fortunate he was the day he met Lynn Layton, his wife of 31 years. Their love was unmistakable, their partnership unwavering, and their devotion to one another and their family was evident to everyone who knew them. Glenn and Lynn loved Jesus, family, and sports. Glenn loved golf, the Gators, the Jaguars, and the Chicago Cubs.
When Glenn was diagnosed with Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2020, Lynn’s commitment never faltered. Through every stage of the illness, she cared for him with extraordinary grace, patience, and love. Few people are privileged to experience such steadfast devotion. Lynn embodied the very definition of a life partner.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on June 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at The Church of Eleven22 (14286 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32250), followed by a reception at The Yards located in TPC Sawgrass (254 Alta Mar Dr, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082).
In lieu of flowers, Glenn’s legacy may be honored through a contribution to the NEFBA Charitable Foundation in support of the Glenn Layton Memorial Scholarship Fund. Established as the inaugural award of the NEFBA Legacy Memorial Scholarship Program, the scholarship recognizes students who share Glenn’s commitment to craftsmanship, integrity, and building something that lasts. Donations can be mailed to NEFBA Charitable Foundation, Glenn Layton Memorial Scholarship Fund, 4932 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257.
Glenn leaves behind a legacy built not only of homes, but of friendships, laughter, generosity, faith in Jesus, and family. He was a good man, deeply loved, and he will be profoundly missed and never forgotten.
The Layton family is being served by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services of Valdosta, Georgia.
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