In loving memory of Harris Loyd 'Butch' Glasgow

Harris Loyd (Butch) Glasgow

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Harris Loyd (Butch) Glasgow passed away on Feb. 3, 2026. He was a devoted and compassionate father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, great-uncle, and life partner. Steady in his love, generous in spirit, and always ready to show up for the people who needed him.

Born May 2, 1941, in Buffalo, Butch moved to Central Florida in 1967 with just $300 in his pocket and a determination to build a better life. He took on whatever work he could, including a job at an orange juice factory, surveying, and later working at American Steel Fence for his father-in-law, Charles Bentley. Butch often credited much of his later success to what he learned from Charles Bentley Sr. – lessons about grit, responsibility, and doing things the right way.

Over the nearly 60 years that followed, Butch became a true self-made entrepreneur. Through vision, perseverance, and an unmatched work ethic, he built USA Fence Company into a large, multifaceted business serving residents, municipalities and government agencies across Florida. His drive and curiosity carried him into additional ventures, including USA Cars & Trucks, USA Pawn, USA Demolition, a national crowd-control barricade business, and a substantial portfolio of residential and commercial real estate.

One of his greatest joys, however, was USA Things of Interest, a living, working museum reflecting the heart of who he was: a collector, a storyteller, and a man who appreciated history, craftsmanship, and “things worth saving.” Housing more than 10,000 items, the museum includes cars, boats, motorcycles, and treasured collectibles ranging from a Budweiser powerboat to more than 500 antique clocks.

Butch exemplified pride, hard work, and a commitment to excellence. His vision and leadership created a foundation of values that continue to guide his family and businesses across four generations. He lived by his favorite saying: “Once a job has begun, never leave it until it’s done, be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all.”

Those words weren’t just something he said – they were how he lived.

Butch’s heart was as big as his ambition. He was known for championing the “underdog,” offering encouragement and opportunity to those facing an uphill climb. He believed deeply in giving back and quietly supported his community in meaningful ways like providing free Christmas trees to local law enforcement, first responders, and teachers, and sponsoring annual trips to Washington, D.C., for a local school. He established The Glasgow Foundation Charity to support educational opportunities in the trade industries for students who wanted a brighter future but needed financial assistance to reach it.

Butch’s legacy lives on through his children: Shannon, Cody, Nancy and Kevin; his grandchildren: Tanna Carter, Link Glasgow, Savannah Plafker, Marina Glasgow, Beau Frady, Aryn Porter, Connor Miller and Brett Miller; and his life partner, Marie. He is also lovingly remembered by his nieces: Deanna Sabatino, Brenda Williams and Cheryl Miller, and his nephew, Brian Class, along with seven great-grandchildren and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harris and Emilie Glasgow; his son, Loyd Harris “Ty” Glasgow; and his nephew, Gary Glasgow, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, the Glasgow family requests donations be made to The Glasgow Foundation at: 925 44th Ave. E., Bradenton, Florida, 34203.

Butch built businesses, but more importantly, he built people. His love, strength, and steadfast example will be carried forward by everyone who was fortunate enough to call him family, friend or mentor.