Tony Dyer Jr.

April 3, 2020, God called Tony Dyer, Jr. to “come on home.’ He was born in Houston, Texas, September 7, 1948. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at the age of 8. Feeling God’s call on his life, he preached his first sermon at the age of 14.

He attended Acadia Baptist Academy in Eunice, LA for his high school years. Basketball became his passion throughout those years and on into college. Relationships were established there that lasted throughout his life. After high school, he attended Southeastern Baptist College, where he met his wife, Evelynn. Afterwards, he received a BA, Master of Theology, and Doctor of Theology from Luther Rice Bible Seminary. He received certification in Conflict Resolution and Mediation and Intentional Ministry Network.

He served churches in Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas, first as a youth minister and later as a pastor. He was a gifted speaker with a unique ability to capture and hold the attention of his listeners. That gift was manifested when speaking at revivals, workshops, and seminars.

His true ministry passion was “youth”, spending over 20 years in youth ministry. He began the Disciple Now program in 1973. The vision that God gave him for Disciple Now has spread throughout the United States. Thousands of students have experienced a Disciple Now weekend in their local church. Many of those students, now adults, attribute their walk with the Lord and their life ministry choices to lessons learned during those week-end events.

A strong component of Tony’s ministry was his compassion for people and a Godly desire to help others. Once on a date with Evelynn, he wrote his ministry verse on a napkin and handed it to her. Isaiah 61:1 was lived out until the end of his life. “The spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners…”

Family was his passion in life. Vacations to the mountains, movie nights, theme park visits, and celebrating any family milestone was high on his priority list. He especially loved the Christmas season. He started listening to Christmas music in September, much to the chagrin of his children. He taught Garrett and Ashley the importance of family, to be loyal, forgive others, and put God first in all you do.

Tony leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Evelynn Laird Dyer, two children, Garrett A. Dyer and Ashley Dyer Barnett (Billy), and three grandchildren, Gabriel and Parisia Dyer, and Rion Barnett. He was known as “Papa D” to his grandchildren, and “Dad” to his children. Also left behind are two sisters, Marguerite Anderson and Mary Jane Dudley, along with beloved extended family members and precious friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tony Dyer, Sr. and Dorothy Dyer, two sisters, Jeannie Dyer and Marlene Angelo, and one brother, Kenneth Dyer.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a celebration of Tony’s life will be held at Central Baptist Church, Crandall, TX, once restrictions have been lifted.

Evelynn, Garrett and Ashley want to thank you all for your kind words, memories shared, and prayers lifted on our behalf.