John Lee Tyer

John Lee Tyer, 82, of Phenix City, AL passed away peacefully Saturday, March 25, at Grady Hospital.

A Celebration of life service with U.S. Army Honors will be held 2:00pm Wednesday, April 19, 2023 in the chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be held in Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery.

He was born in Greenville NC, on December 18, 1940 to the late George A. Tyer and Mary Aldred.  He was married to his loving wife, Donna for over 25 years prior to his passing.  John’s life adventure started when he turned 18 and the call to duty became his dream.  He enlisted in the Army where he achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 and retired after over 20 years of faithful and honorable service to his country. He served in various positions of responsibility and earned numerous awards and decorations

With his “can do” and “no nonsense attitude”, upon retiring from the Army, he continued working for the Department of the Army as a Civilian employee, retiring after 20 plus years.  He served in various positions of responsibility but his last position of a Supervisory Logistics Management Specialist was the one that was most rewarding.  He placed his honor, integrity and commitment to the United States Army and his country above all else.

John’s love for the U.S. Army flowed over to his love of being a lifelong Mason.  Through his commitment to develop his own potential, as well as others, he rose to the level of 32nd Degree Scottish Rite at Lodge 183, Lawton, OK.   He was a lover of music; especially Bluegrass.  He sang and played guitar with his beloved band “Harmony Grits” When not playing with his band you could find him at bluegrass festivals with other “parking lot” pickers, picking until the wee hours of the morning.  He also enjoyed playing for friends and family at their homes and his.

He was preceded in death by his father, George A. Tyer; mother, Mary A. Tyer; brothers, Edward M. Tyer (Casey), George T. Tyer (Pop), and sister, Annabelle T. Richardson.

Survivors include his loving wife Donna, nephews, Tom Richardson (Debbie), Wayne Richardson, nieces, Cyndie Fernandez, Gladys McDonald (Bill) , “furbabies” Lucy, Cooper, Charley, Bodey and many other friends and family

In lieu of flowers the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to their favorite charity in John L. Tyer’s name.

“You can shed tears that he is gone, or you can smile because he has lived” – David Hawkins