It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of John Robert (Johnny) Dantzler, who went to his Heavenly home on Monday, July 13, 2026 at his home in Pineville, NC after an extended illness. He was born on September 23, 1949 in Orangeburg, South Carolina, to parents Andrew and Eleanor Carrigg Dantzler.
Johnny lived a life rooted in faith, hard work, humility and love for his family. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy (Dot) Johnson Dantzler, of 55 years with whom a home was built founded on love and steadfast devotion. He was the proud father of two daughters, Kathy (Kevin) Brownlee and Rita (Darrell) Bagwell and five grandchildren - Brendan Bagwell, Bryce Brownlee, Meredith Brownlee, Cameron Bagwell and Madison Bagwell. He is also survived by his brother, Danny Dantzler, extended family and his constant furry companion, Tucker. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Terry (Maggie) Dantzler and Andy (Doris) Dantzler.
A man of deep and unwavering faith, Johnny loved the Lord and lived his life as an example of Christian service. He was a lifelong and devoted member of Four Holes Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and as a Sunday School Director. He also loved his mountain church, Huntdale Union. His quiet leadership, servant's heart and steadfast commitment to his church families left a lasting impact on all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, churches he faithfully served, and the countless lives he touched through work or friendship.
As a farm mechanic for International/CASE, Cox Wood Preserving, SuperSod, Dantzler Farm Equipment, JJJ Farms, and H.D. Free Farms, Johnny was known for his remarkable ability to fix tractors and other farm equipment. He took pride in an honest day's work and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. When he wasn't working, he loved hunting, enjoying God's creation and the quiet that came with it.
His celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 2:30 pm at Four Holes Baptist Church in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The family will receive friends at 1 pm in the church sanctuary prior to the funeral. Interment service will follow at the Four Holes Baptist Church Cemetery.
Honored to serve as Pallbearers will be his three grandsons: Brendan Bagwell, Bryce Brownlee (on active assignment), and Cameron Bagwell; and Bert Bozard, Dave Dantzler, Delbert Inabinet and Arden Ayers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in his memory to: Four Holes Baptist Church, 1622 Four Holes Road, Orangeburg, SC 29115; Huntdale Union Church, P.O. Box 146, Erwin, TN 37650; or Spruce Pine UMC Disaster Relief, 11090 NC HWY 226, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.
