John Eugene (Gene) Layton born September 3, 1940, in Danville, IL, went to be with Jesus on January 5, 2025. He is survived by his wife Patsy; sister Kelly Elkins (Steve); daughters Kimberly Huey (Paul) and Sharon Hopson (Coy); and his adoring grandchildren Charlie Babcock, Lauren Shore (Dustin), Summer Joy Kennedy (Wes) and Trenna Babcock. Gene was preceded by his parents John and Alma Layton, his wife of 48 years Norma, and son-in-law Kurt Babcock.
Gene loved life. He founded Brandon Irrigation and Supply Company in the 1980s and grew it into a successful business. He became President of the local irrigation society and made many friends in the landscape/irrigation industry.
Gene loved his church, First Baptist Church of Brandon, where he was an active member for over 50 years. Gene’s life was truly transformed by the Bible and his Bible loving friends.
Gene loved his friends, and he had scores of them. He was always ready to lend a hand to friends, neighbors, widows at FBC, and through the Rotary Club of Brandon.
Gene loved to fish. He was gifted in telling whopper fish stories and cooking the bounty he caught.
Mostly, Gene loved his family, especially the two women he was blessed to marry, Patsy and Norma. His daughters were always a priority, yet Gene’s favorite role was being Grandpa. He yearned to tell them stories and encourage them to be their best self.
A celebration of Gene’s wonderful life will be held at First Baptist Church of Brandon at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 11, 2025. Visitation will precede the service at 10 AM. Graveside services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please donate to First Baptist Church of Brandon, Samaritan’s Purse or Lifepath Hospice. The family would like to express our deepest appreciation to the Hospice Green Team who did an outstanding job caring for Gene.
Previous Events
Visitation
11
Jan
216 North Parsons Avenue
Brandon, FL 33510
Celebration of Life Service
11
Jan
216 North Parsons Avenue
Brandon, FL 33510
