John M. Clayton Jr., known to many simply as Johnny, passed away at home on October 8, 2026 sounded by his loving family.

He was born on October 1, 1955, in Chestertown, Maryland, and carried with him throughout his life the spirit of the community he called home. A 1973 graduate of Kent County High School, Johnny built a life marked by hard work, independence, and connection with others. He operated his own businesses for more than 30 years, including John’s Butcher Shoppe and John’s Lawn Care. In both his work and his daily life, he enjoyed spending time with his customers, and those relationships became an important part of the fabric of his days. He was a man who loved being around people, and he found genuine joy in time shared with family, friends, and the many familiar faces he met along the way.

Johnny was, at heart, a true outdoorsman. He found happiness in fishing, waterfowl hunting, riding his motorcycle, admiring classic cars, and attending car shows. Turkey hunting was a challenge he especially loved, and he pursued it with remarkable dedication, completing the U.S. Grand Slam, Royal Slam, and World Slam. He also loved sports, especially cheering on the New York Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys, two of “America’s Teams.” He was also an active member who enjoyed spending time with friends at the Chestertown Elk’s Lodge and the Betterton American Legion. Those places, and the friendships formed there, were part of the life he treasured—one built on camaraderie, loyalty, and shared good times.

Johnny is survived by his daughter Stephanie Turner (George) of Crumpton, MD; an honorary son Todd Turner (Vivienne) of Centreville, MD; two grandchildren, Casey Turner and Jacob Turner, and may customers that became friends and friends that became family.

A visitation will be held on Sunday November 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. in the Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech, 118 W Cross St, Galena, Maryland 21635. Where a memorial service will follow at 12:00 p.m. A celebration of life will then be held at 1:00 p.m. at Chestertown Elks Lodge 2474, 8631 Bell Rose Lane, Chestertown, Maryland 21620.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations in Johnny's Memory may be offered to Compass Hospice 160 Coursevall Dr. Centreville, MD 21617; or to the Chestertown Elks Lodge 2474 PO Box 839, Chestertown, MD 21620