Eugene Claxton

Eugene “The Ol’ Gator” Claxton, 92, of Jacksonville, Florida, went to be with the Lord on, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Born on October 5, 1932, in Thomaston, Georgia, to Trudy and Owen Claxton, Gene lived a full and vibrant life centered around faith, family, and community.

To those who knew and loved him, he was simply Gene—or “The Ol’ Gator,” a nickname that stuck thanks to his love for Florida Gator football and his unmistakable spirit. He was a devoted husband, a proud dad and Papa, a Navy veteran, and a loyal friend.

Gene served in the U.S. Navy for nearly five years, where he also got to chase his passion for baseball. After his service, he played for the New York Giants’ minor league team—but his heart always beat a little louder for football Saturdays in Gainesville.

After hanging up his cleats, Gene came home to serve the Jacksonville community as a police officer and detective for the County Road Patrol and ultimately the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, where he spent over 25 years helping keep the community safe. Once he retired from law enforcement, he didn’t slow down—he followed another dream and started his own business, Gene Claxton Custom Homes. Building houses turned into a family affair, and Gene took great pride in working alongside the people he loved most.

For more than 30 years, Gene was an active member of First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, where his faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was also a proud member of the Clay County Gator Club, where he cheered on his team with fellow fans who became friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his daughter Angie Claxton; his parents, Trudy and Owen Claxton; his sister, Christine Young; and his brothers Bobby, Mike, and Billy Claxton.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Jennie; daughter Sandy (Claxton) Knowles (Jerry), his son Steve Claxton (Chris), Debbie Firth (Sonny), Diane Huffman; grandchildren Judson Cutts (Amy), Tracey Wehr (Jonathan), Laura Lawson (Matt), Jennifer Morris (Justin), Doug Knowles, Sarah VonEsh (Luke), Rachael Claxton (Matt), and Douglas Firth (Kelly), along with 14 great grandchildren, who brought endless joy and pride into his life.

If you knew Gene, you probably remember his big laugh, his strong work ethic, his passion for life and his ability to talk to anyone he met.

Gene will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, strength, and laughter will live on in all of us who had the joy of knowing him.

A visitation for Eugene will be held Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, 125 W Ashley St, Jacksonville, FL 32202. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM, 125 W Ashley St, Jacksonville, FL 32202. We will go in procession to his committal service at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218.