John David Dyer II, 75, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, at 12:42 a.m., surrounded by his loving family.

John was born on October 24, 1950, in Columbus, Ohio, to James and Adrianne Dyer. He graduated from Grove City High School at the age of 18. His first job was at Green Lawn Cemetery, an experience that left him with countless stories he would share throughout his life. He later spent 30 years as a foreman and truck driver for Nabisco, where he was known for his strong work ethic, dedication, and reliability.

Above all, John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, foster parent, and friend. Nothing mattered more to him than his family. He cherished every opportunity to spend time with those he loved and found his greatest joy in being surrounded by them.

John was known for his playful sense of humor, endless dad jokes, and his famous sayings, especially "Gee-zee!" He was a man of deep faith and a generous heart, always willing to help anyone in need. He loved fishing, camping, hunting, family vacations, good food, diet coke, and sharing his often-embellished stories and adventures with those around him.

Alongside his wife, Gayle, John served as a foster parent for 15 years, opening his home and heart to more than 30 children. Each child who came through their home was loved and cared for as family. He was also a beloved uncle who treasured his nieces and nephews, many to whom he also played the role of father. Whether through laughter, advice, encouragement, or simply being present, he made each of them feel loved and valued.

John was a committed Christian for 43 years. His journey of faith began at Calvary Temple, where he faithfully served for 16 years, dedicating countless hours to ministry and the work of the church. Throughout the years, he remained a devoted member of several church families, always seeking to serve the Lord wherever he was called. For the past 10 years, he was a faithful member of New Hope Pentecostal Church of God, where his son-in-law, Israel Ochoa, serves as pastor. There, John continued to serve with a joyful heart and developed deep bonds with his beloved church family.

John's faith was not only evident in his own life, but also in the lives of those he influenced. Through his example, love for God, and commitment to ministry, he helped inspire a legacy of service within his family. His daughter Heidi and son-in-law Israel Ochoa have faithfully served in ministry for more than 20 years. His daughter Heather and son-in-law Nathan Pinson have likewise dedicated many years to ministry and currently serve as co-pastors of Souls United Church. This brought John great joy seeing his children and their families continue to serve the Lord and share the Gospel with others.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gayle Dyer; his children, Heidi (Israel) Ochoa, Heather (Nathan) Pinson, Haley (Jon) Ochoa, Hannah Dyer, Heath-George (Brittany) Dyer, Hope (Trevor) Mason, and Hayden Dyer; sixteen grandchildren, with a seventeenth grandchild on the way; two great-grandchildren; his sister, Teresa (Jack) Smotherman; his brother, Jeffrey Dyer; his sister-in-law, Michelle Phipps; eleven nieces and nephews; and many dear friends whose lives were touched by his love and friendship.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Adrianne Dyer; his brother, James (Barb) Dyer; and his two sons, John David Dyer III and Anthony James Dyer.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at New Hope Pentecostal Church of God, 1101 Obetz Road, Columbus, Ohio 43207. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow the funeral service.

Though our hearts are broken, we rejoice in knowing that John is now in the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ. The love he poured into his family, the faith he lived out daily, and the countless lives he touched will continue to bear fruit for generations to come. While he will be deeply missed, we find comfort in knowing that this is not goodbye, but simply "I love you, I'll see you later." His legacy of faith, laughter, love, and devotion will live on in all who knew and loved him.