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John Wyker Obituary
Decatur
John Daniel "Johnny" Wyker III died Sunday, December 8, 2013. He was born March 14, 1945, at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital to John D. Wyker II and June Osborn Wyker. He attended Columbia Military Academy, graduated Decatur High School, and attended the University of Alabama.
Johnny spent most of his life in and around the music industry as a songwriter and performer. He founded and performed with The Magnificent Seven, The Rubber Band and Sailcat - the latter having achieved chart "hit" status along with a national television appearance on "American Bandstand". In addition to his own musical groups, Wyker's career as a songwriter involved his tunes being recorded by James and Bobby Purify, Mavis Staples, Delbert McClinton, The Sugarcubes (Bjork), John Prine, Alex Taylor and Eddie Hinton. Johnny was a very passionate visual artist as well, and some of his work was used as album cover art. He was also employed by Wyker's True Value Hardware.
He was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his mother; his wife, Margaret Young Wyker; his son, John Daniel Wyker IV; his daughter, Ella Lela Wyker; sisters, Susan Wyker Jones and Ella Wyker Martin; and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at First Bible Church, Decatur, on Friday, December 13th at 5 p.m.
This obituary was originally published in the Decatur Daily.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Scott Pilkington
December 27, 2013
Johnny has finaly reunited with Edddie Hinton. Must have been a beautiful meeting. Johnny was very kind to me from our first meeting in 1959. When Johnny started his own High School fraternity in Decatur in 1960, he invited me to join Tau Kappa. Johnny brought a lot of misfits together and made it fun. In 1960, he picked me up every morning for school in his white 1954 Oldsmobile. We were roomates at Columbia Military Academy in 61-62 and I got to know him and love him for his kindness and eccentricity. He was a blessing. We reconnected in 2008. Love to the family, especially June - thank you for the 13th birthday party, Scott Pilkington, Auburn, Al
Larry Harris
December 22, 2013
Gonna miss ya John...truly one of a kind
December 22, 2013
Rock on... Much love...
Jonathan Baggs
December 13, 2013
I miss you Johnny. When no one else cared, you did and I will never forget the kindness you showed toward me. Sleep well my dear friend.
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Michael Buffalo Smith
December 13, 2013
I love you Johnny. You were a good friend and the single most "artistic" artist I know. I was blessed to spend time face to face, in the studio, onstage and for endless hours on the telephone listening to your damn near brilliant ideas and rock and roll dreams and those wonderful Cat Tales. From the time I met the whole Bama gang and MFOV it was clear that you were the spiritual leader. The eclectic touchstone in a world imploding in on itself. You kept the faith and said to hell with the rules. I learned so much in our short walk together. Johnny I am so sad I cannot drive the 6 hours to your memorial service. The drive used to be a breeze but my disability has me sidelined for a minute. I will be there in spirit. And I will catch up with you in the light. We'll see what's out there together on our Harleys....if the chain don't break. Peace, love and respect. Buffalo
Patrick Haney
December 12, 2013
My little nine year old daughter in Rome is learning Baby Ruth this week in memoriam.
David Kelley
December 12, 2013
Our prayers and thoughts are with the Wyker family it was Johnny who talk me into starting my own internet radio station he taught me alot about promotions and was a true friend to everyone who knew him.Johnny was always nice to me and everyone.and he never had a ego.someday soon we will be joing Johnny in Heavin luv you brother
Dean White
December 12, 2013
Johnny is and was the epitome of creative free spirit. He blessed us all with his talents, and his friendship. "Another good thang has done gone on..."
December 12, 2013
May God bless the family and give you strength to face the days ahead.
Tommy Mann
Carol Taylor
December 12, 2013
I am sending a "double shot" of love and affection and good will to the family of Johnny Wyker. I knew him when we were children and I loved him. He was a kind person as well as very
talented. I hope there is a rock and roll choir in heaven and if there is then I know Johnny Wyker is in it.
Love, Carol Taylor, Decatur, Alabama
December 12, 2013
My sympathy goes out to the Wyker family. I'm so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Sallye Powell Coggin
doug HIGHFIELD
December 12, 2013
my deepest sympathy to the family. johnny was not only an extremely talented writer and performer, he was a kind person, a spiritual person. he always inspired me and i am sure many others feel the same way. he will be missed!
Jeffrey Simpson
December 12, 2013
Johnny made Decatur an interesting place to live. I enjoyed making music with him. He will be missed!
Joseph Bridge
December 12, 2013
I was 4 years old when I had the Sailcat album. It was my very first record and I loved it so much and took it with me everywhere I went. It inspired me to start playing music. The song Motorcycle Mama mentioned "we'll add on a side car & electric guitar", which prompted me to bug my Dad until I finally had my very own electric guitar. Johny and I had met up later on in life and had some wonderful conversations that I will always cherish. Johny has inspired me to live music and to follow my dream. I have never met anyone that has as much passion for life, music, and art as Johny. I will very much miss our long chats and it's hard to believe that we won't have those chats anymore until we meet again on Rainbow Road. Ride into the sky my friend and know I love you always brother. God bless you John D. Wyker. - Joseph Bridge
Betty Bennett Swalm
December 11, 2013
MY deapest sympathy to you all. Susan & Ella, if there is anything that I can do for you , please let me know. You, & your family are in our prayers , during your time of sorrow.
louie wear
December 11, 2013
Well old friend is sorry to say good bye to you i will allways remember you as you said something to me " I am just waiting to die in this house " as i had a offer to go to Iraq to drive a truck and you made my mind up for me ....Lew
Phillip & Sherry Casteel
December 11, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Johnny had the sweetest heart and we always loved hearing his stories. I could sit for hours and listen to him. To his children: he never failed to brag and talk about you both all the time. I pray you find peace and comfort. And Ella please continue to share what you find in his notebooks on his facebook page. You should write his book for him!!!! He will truly be missed. The last thing he would always say when ending his visit was: LOVE YA'LL!! We loved you Johnny!! We will always "BE THANKFUL" for your friendship.
Jane Nunley
December 11, 2013
Goodbye for now,I will see you on the other side. I miss you already. it ain't right, it ain't right, it ain't right!! I love hearing you sing that and will be listening with love and respect forever!!!
Jimmy Wakefield
December 11, 2013
We were 13 when we met at camp Cha-La-Kee. Johnny was the first cool guy I ever knew. Please take comfort in his spirit at this time.
Susan Parsons
December 11, 2013
An icon you are, Johnny. RIP. God bless your family. You will be dearly missed by all.
T S
December 11, 2013
I believe I saw Johnny at the Princess Theatre many, many, many years ago when Mac McAnally performed there, mid 80s maybe? Seemed like a great guy with a love for life and music. I'm sure the world is a poorer place with his passing.
SmokeHouse Jim
December 11, 2013
R.I.P. My music Brother.
December 11, 2013
Johnny may have lived and walked the soil of this earth like the rest of us, but there was something unique and different about Johnny, as I truly believe there wasn't anyone who was blessed to know Johnny that wasn't touched by his always kind, caring, carefree spirit, and as a result we were all left much better having known Johnny. I will always treasure my friendship with Johnny, as he now resides and sings among the brightest of Angels in Heaven. I pray for all the family of John D. Wyker that you find peace and comfort in knowing Johnny now lives in a much better place and with faith in God we will all see him again!...Ken Shelton
Carol Fite-Lawton
December 11, 2013
May God give this sweet family peace for the challenging days ahead. We were all blessed to have Johnny in a part of our lives....dhs friends of Johnny will always miss this music icon. Love to all the family.
Tommy Stuart
December 11, 2013
Johnny was a creative, artistic guy who was one of the most interesting people I've ever known. We shared ideas & thoughts for many years after we worked together & I am so sad at his passing. It was shock to me as it's been 10 years or more since we connected & I always thought of him as being bulletproof. I was 17 when he gave me a job & the many things I experienced will stay with me forever. He was a charismatic & beautiful guy, I shall miss him.......at only 68? Oh, Johnny, we hardly knew ye.......Tommy Stuart
trevor wheat
December 11, 2013
i am trevor wheat i live down the street from john and he passed the torch to me he been teaching me music ever scince i was in the first grade every morning i woke up and made shure he was ok he was a grate friend i will miss papa john for ever and its not right its not right its not right
Donna Brown
December 11, 2013
Rest in peace Johnny. Like you told me, "I'm your "other" brother. And I feel the pain and loss deep, deep inside.
December 11, 2013
A little younger than I am, I remember John in school, He was a free spirit and a wonderful, fun person. He will be missed by all who knew him. Blessing to his family.
Linda Lawrence-Bode
Greta Larson
December 11, 2013
The end of an era.
Randy Sivley
December 11, 2013
Rest in Peace Johnny
T. Owen
December 11, 2013
I only knew John through the music that a dear friend of mine introduced me to as a young kid some 25 years ago, but his lyrics are still with me. I wish him a save journey on his next adventure, Rest well my friend.
Russell Gulley
December 10, 2013
Johnny was one of a kind, some thought he was a little far out, but he was a visionary. He marched to his own beat and dared others to follow. I admired him and wished I was nearly as daring, inspirational, creative, and always ambitious, never giving up. To him his greatest achievements were always in front of him, much like Johnny Cash whose last recordings were also among his best.Thank you Johnny for blazing a trail for us and sympathies to the family.
Scott Ward
December 10, 2013
Johnny was a great friend and mentor to me- he always made me feel like I was somebody, and encouraged me as a musician and songwriter. Every time we ended a conversation on the phone, he would say- "I love you brother.."- I will never forget him.
Trish Foster
December 10, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Johnny! May God give you His grace and His peace in your time of sorrow!
FRANK IRONS SR
December 10, 2013
IT IS MY LOSS. I NEVER MEET JOHN.......
Charlotte and Pete Carr
December 10, 2013
May God bless the Wyker family as you go through this time of sorrow. Johnny was a unique and pure soul, loved by so many. He is greatly missed.
Rhonda & Tommy Penn
December 10, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to Johnny Wyker's family. Precious memories!!
December 10, 2013
May "The Out To Lunch Bunch" ride forever!...much love and respect to you Johnny...we will all miss you....Mark Campbell (Los Angeles, Ca.)
William Bohannon
December 10, 2013
A trusted friend and creative genius. Winter of 2009 is sealed in my soul. May your presence in heaven be more glorious than can be imagined.
Keith Glass
December 10, 2013
Went through a lot of changes after encountering JW, grateful for most all of them...he is a truly a unique original who will not be forgotten.
Cindy Brashears
December 10, 2013
Johnny will always be with us. Memories are ours - unchanged forever.
Loyd Riley
December 10, 2013
Bon Voyage Captain Salt
Mick Hubbard
December 10, 2013
I never had a better friend. I miss you brother.
Donna Burgess
December 9, 2013
I will surely miss your guitar jam sessions and your wonderful stories uncle Johnny. You will be forever missed and forever loved. You have the best seat in the house now. Keep on rocking until we met again.
Pam Taylor
December 9, 2013
A great soul is gone but never forgotten.
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