Born in Linz on the Danube, Austria, he was a son of Hildegard Walter Byer and the late John S. Byer. John worked as a self employed automotive mechanic. He was a car enthusiast and avid animal lover. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.
Survivors include his mother; brother, Richard (Kim) Byer of Columbia; sister, Marie Bessinger of Irmo; nephew, Jamie Bessinger of Myrtle Beach; niece, Jennifer Peake of Columbia; and three great nieces. In addition to his father, John was preceded in death by his wife of 5 years, Mary Byer.
