Dennis "Big D" Earl Clayton

Dennis Earl Clayton, “Big D,” 64, passed away Thursday, August 13, 2020. Dennis was a loving husband, amazing father, wonderful grandfather, and loyal friend. He will be deeply missed by many. He was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida.

Dennis attended Terry Parker High School where he played football for the Braves. In his younger years, he was active in many sports, baseball, softball and waterskiing. He was a member of the ski-skats waterski club. He was a foreman with K&G Construction for many years and was an excellent carpenter. He loved anything to do with water. His favorite vacation spot was the Florida Keys, where he enjoyed snorkeling and catching lobster. Dennis was a diehard Gator fan who enjoyed coaching baseball, boating, fishing, karaoke, and spending time with his family and friends, “It’s Essential.”

He is proceeded in death by his wife of 21 years, Susan Carol Clayton; mother, Annie Ruth Dennis Clayton and father, John Robert Clayton.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Silvana Clayton; his three children with Susan, Olivia Clayton, Jeffrey (Kayla) Clayton, Alicia (Eric) Ricks; grandchild, Gabriella; brother, John Wayne (Cheri) Clayton, sister, Denise Fritz, best friend “brother,” Joe (JoAnna) Hanna, sister-in-law, Debra Langston; his step-children, Philisha Doyle, Brandy (John-Michael) Williams, Bobbie Fosdick, Kenny Fosdick, six step-grandchildren, nine nieces and nephews and numerous other friends whose friendship Dennis treasured.

Visitation will be held from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Monday, August 17, 2020 at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin. Masks and social distancing are required. Dennis loved the Florida Gators and disliked dressing up. Please come in casual clothing or your favorite Gator attire to honor the memory of Dennis!

For those who wish to make a contribution in remembrance of him, please make donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

We are planning a Memorial Service for Friday, August 21, 2020. It would have been Dad’s 65th birthday. This will be an outdoor service with masks and social distancing required. I will update everyone when more details are available.

A private graveside service will be announced at a later date.

Please post any memories, photos and condolences using the link below. These will be used in a memorial book for the family.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL (904) 288-0025.