John Milton Archer IV

1958 - 2025

John Milton Archer, IV

October 18, 1958 - March 21, 2025

Charlotte, North Carolina - John Milton Archer, IV, age 66, of Charlotte, died at his home on Friday, March 21, 2025 from complications after a year-long battle with cancer. Born in Chapel Hill, NC on October 18, 1958, John was the eldest child and son of Betty Dale Pressly Archer and the late Dr. John Milton Archer, III. John graduated from Myers Park High School, class of 1977 and Appalachian State University, after which he began a career in real estate and went on to open his own business, JMA Realty Advisors. Later in his life, one of his most rewarding jobs was substitute teaching in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System, where he loved working with the kids. He was a member of Myers Park Presbyterian Church and Carolina Golf Club.

The most important person in John's life was his son John, with whom he shared a deep love of sports. John experienced incredible joy coaching his son's South Park Youth football team and coaching him in YMCA basketball. He encouraged a love of sports when his son was young and later, his son encouraged his dad with his love of Alabama football and Carolina Hurricanes hockey. John and son John texted constantly during those games. John played YMCA basketball & MPTLL baseball as a child and continued his involvement by refereeing & umpiring for MPTLL and YMCA basketball as an adult.

John had a passion for the outdoors, an appreciation for a beautiful day, the sunshine and the seasons. He loved caring for his yard, birds, flower pots and even his vegetable garden which he graciously shared. His friends and family were incredibly important to him, even though he requested more privacy in this last year during his illness. Anyone who knew John knew he had a quick wit and a spirited sense of humor.

John grew up camping and skiing with his family, loving the mountains and any opportunity to cut wood with his best buddies. He loved playing golf with friends and family. He loved the Atlanta Braves and travelled to their Spring Training Camp in Florida many times. He was a diligent administrator of his father's family home in Franklin, NC after his father's death, always making sure the numerous details of maintaining the home were well attended to. He cherished his time in Franklin, especially around a big fire. He was known for building fires, really big fires, telling tall tales and laughing with friends and family. He loved his family and was always willing to lend a hand. He was an avid reader, insisted on reading the hardback books and was just rereading some of his favorites.

He is survived by his son John Reynolds Archer of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, his mother Betty Dale Pressly Archer of Charlotte, brother Charles Pressly Archer (Kelley), sister Mary Catherine Archer Chesney (Bobby) all of Charlotte, very special nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews who brought him so much joy: Jordan Archer (Chapman) Pressly & Drayton, Johnny Archer (Taylor) Tucker & Tate, Megan Hernandez (Ricky), Taylor Brookhouse Goodwin (Nate), Grace Powers (James), William Chesney, and his very dear McLaughlin and Pressly cousins. John is survived by his devoted partner and best friend Mary Vendal, with whom he shared life, love, tons of fun and deep joy in Charlotte, the mountains, the beach and many memorable places. Her support and love carried him through this difficult time, and she was an incredible blessing these last four years. John is also survived by Ellen Archer, his former wife and friend.

The family would like to thank the friends and family who supported and cared for John through this journey, as well as Dr. Alfred Newman, the nurses and staff at Novant Health Cancer Institute, Matthews, NC.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 31 at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the service in Oxford Hall. A casual visitation will also be held on Sunday, March 30, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the home of Kelley and Charlie Archer, 4525 Bradbury Dr., 28209. Livestream the service at myersparkpres.org\live.

Memorial donations may be made to Myers Park Trinity Little League, PO Box 11556, Charlotte, NC 28220, The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation- brpfoundation.org or Friends of the Smokies- friendsofthesmokies.org.

Hankins & Whittington is serving the family, www.hankinsandwhittington.com.