Tony Ray Dyer

Tony R. Dyer, 62, of Sailor Springs, Illinois, died on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Select Specialty Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.

Tony was born on July 25, 1962, the son of Alfred and Phyllis (Gumbel) Dyer. He married Carmen Michele Wheeler in Jefferson County, Illinois in 2005, and she survives.

Tony dedicated his life to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He achieved his Masters Degree in Theology and ministered at Clay City United Methodist Church and Sailor Springs of Life Church.

Tony enjoyed watching Arizona Cardinals football and listening to Elvis Presley. He also took pleasure in gardening and fishing. Tony was known to bake cookies and make fudge and hand them out to friends, family, or whoever.

Tony was outgoing, friendly, liked to joke around, and never knew a stranger. He would always go out of his way to make someone's day better, that’s just how he was.

Above all, Tony loved his family. He cherished moments with his grandkids and family get-togethers.

Tony was a man of great character and will leave a lasting impact on all those that knew him.

Tony is survived by his wife, Michele Dyer of Sailor Springs, IL; daughter, Danielle Easton and husband Joseph of Bluford, IL; son, Drew Dyer of Carbondale, IL; step-daughters, Jamie Hardy and husband Nathan of Opdyke, IL, Ashleigh Brown of Flora, IL, and Danielle Abbott and husband Garrett of Centralia, IL; 13 grandkids; two sisters, Debbie DeRyke and husband Dale of Watson, IL and Teresa O’Dell and husband Toby of Louisville, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Beverly Pickens; and niece, Willow Long.

There will be a funeral service held for Tony at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Clay City United Methodist Church, with a visitation beginning one hour before service time at the church.

Memorials in lieu of flowers can be made to For a Good Paws.

Interment will follow at Smith Cemetery in Sailor Springs, Illinois.