Mr. Joe R. Dyer

Joe was born January 24, 1944, in Moscow, TN, to George Levin and Gladys (Watkins). From the humble beginnings of a Fayette County farm grew a curiosity, love of learning, and grit that led to great success personally and professionally.

After graduating from Fayette County High School in 1962 and completing broadcasting school, Joe took his legendary voice to the airwaves as a radio and local sports broadcaster. When one of his radio jobs took him to Tupelo, MS, he met his forever love, Donna. They were married in 1966. The newlyweds returned to Tennessee and opened Collierville’s first radio station, WPIP.

Upon returning to Memphis, Joe developed a love for flying and earned his pilot’s license. He continued his broadcasting career and soon traded the announcer’s booth for a television set, becoming host of the hit show Dialing for Dollars on WHBQ-TV. From there, he transitioned behind the camera as a producer, building the teleproductions side of the legendary Ardent Studios as well as his own production company. His instinct behind the camera set the stage for the rest of his career, paving the way for the advertising agency he founded in 1994. He loved his work and remained active in the agency until the end. In his free time, he loved spending time with his family and friends, tinkering with classic cars, watching sports, boating, motorcycles, and yes, more classic cars.

Joe will forever be remembered by many friends, colleagues, and of course his family as a man of great integrity, wisdom, wit, and grit. A lifelong learner and curious deep-thinker, he handed many values down to his children, who will carry them in his honor.

Joe was preceded in death by two siblings. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Donna Sue (Gibson); his daughter, Jennifer Lofton (Brett); his son, Joel Dyer; and his granddaughter, Charley Lofton.

A Celebration of Life will be held January 24, 2026 - Joe’s 82nd birthday - from 2–4 P.M. at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens in Bartlett.