Gail Thomas Guyton

We Mourn the Loss

Gail Thomas Guyton

Gail Thomas Guyton, 86, a Florida resident with homes in Frederick and Deep Creek, Maryland, passed away on March 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma.

Born on March 2, 1940, in Burkittsville, Maryland, Gail was the son of Arthur R. Guyton and Pauline M.K. (Zecher) Guyton. Raised on the family farm in Burkittsville, he graduated from Middletown High School in 1958. In 1960 while in college, he married his high school sweetheart Joyce, and from that day forward they became a team. After graduating from American University in 1963 with a degree in Business Administration and Real Estate, he joined the firm Morgan-Keller, a company he worked for as a summer laborer in high school. In 1980, he became President and led the company’s successful transition from custom residential work into commercial, industrial, and construction management operations. Under his leadership, Morgan-Keller grew into a premier construction company serving the Mid-Atlantic Region, a legacy his sons now continue.

For more than 40 years, Gail and his wife found a beloved home at Ocean Reef, where Gail became deeply involved in the life of the community. He served for years on both the old and new Chapel Boards, on the new Chapel Building Committee, and on the Card Sound Golf Club Board. With construction management as his focus, Gail devoted countless hours to the new Chapel, helping oversee the project, review details, and keep it on budget through every phase of the two-year build. Despite the challenges of Covid, the Chapel held its first service in May 2022 as planned. Gail and Joyce also made a significant gift to the new Chapel, including the cross that hangs in the sanctuary. Together, they helped lead and support the Art League through the forming of the Palette Society, helping to secure needed funds for renovations and an addition. Today the Art League serves as another meaningful part of Ocean Reef life.

In Frederick, Gail chaired and served on many boards and committees. Of the many boards he sat on, FCNB Bank and Frederick Memorial Hospital (Frederick Health) were the most challenging and rewarding. He helped establish Frederick Health’s Order of the Good Samaritan, a group of caring and engaged individuals whose charitable contributions help support countless lives in the community. He earned the Good Samaritan Award for his generosity, selflessness, and commitment to the community. He was also an active member of the Rotary Club and local Ruritan Club, often among the first to volunteer when help was needed.

A devoted member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Wolfsville, Maryland, Gail lived his faith through example. He served as Treasurer, Sunday School teacher, and founder of the church’s Youth Group, encouraging young people to live with purpose and serve others. One tradition he started with the youth group was packing baskets for those in need and delivering them while singing Christmas carols, a tradition that continues today.

Gail also served as a Boy Scout leader and a Wildcat baseball coach. He was a constant source of encouragement to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He and Joyce opened their home to friends, exchange students, and others in need of hospitality, making everyone feel welcome.

He loved golf at Ocean Reef Club, Card Sound Golf Club and Holly Hills Country Club, fishing with friends and family, and woodworking. Gail will be remembered most for the example he set: a life of faith, humility, generosity, and service.

Gail is survived by his loving wife of sixty-five years, Joyce; his children, Brad Guyton (Lisa), Darrell Guyton (Kris), and Sharon Strine (Rusty); his grandchildren, Christian Mielke (Madison), Colin Strine (Nui), Megan Clemson (Jon), Austin Strine (Emily), Matthew Guyton, Mark Guyton, and Sarah Guyton; and his great-grandchildren, Bodee Potijun, Nathaniel Strine, Morgan Strine, Brie Clemson,Travis Clemson and the newest great grandson, baby Strine, due in May; sister in-law, Gloria Moore and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers William Guyton and Wayne Guyton; sister-in-law, Patricia H Guyton; brother-in-law, Bryan Moore; niece, Michelle Guyton.

A Florida memorial service to celebrate a life well lived will be held Monday, April 13th at 11:00am in the Chapel at Ocean Reef. Following the service, a light luncheon will be held in the Chapel Gardens. If you will be traveling to Ocean Reef to attend, email Brad at bradguyton@aol.com. To watch the service when posted: OCR YouTube

A Maryland memorial service for the family and friends will be held Wednesday, June 10th at 11:00am at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 12704 Wolfsville Rd, Smithsburg. Following the service, a light luncheon will be held in St. Mark's Sunday School. To watch the service when posted: St. Mark's YouTube

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Gail’s honor to The Ocean Reef Chapel Foundation, 32 Ocean Reef Drive, Key Largo, FL 33037, or St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 12704 Wolfsville Road, Smithsburg, MD 21783.

As you read this, it is the hope of the family that you feel the warmth of the true depth of his soul.