(November 11, 1943 – February 08, 2021)
The world has lost a giant who forged his own way from simple means and created a lasting legacy for his family and friends. Johnny grew up in Amarillo, TX and moved to Dallas where he learned about metals while working for Jorgeson Steel and Reynolds Aluminum.
During his lifetime he met his true love on a blind date quail hunt in Pecos, TX. In August of 2020, he and Jimmie celebrated fifty years of marriage. They made a rule to always remind each other of their anniversary so neither would ever get mad at the other one. Always working together, as entrepreneurs they started multiple companies. Ultimately Byler Rivet Supply has become one of the largest industrial fastener
suppliers in the world. His employees were always considered family. His favorite part of the job was RV road trips to Louisville and Las Vegas and hosting stockholder meetings with family and friends. His business was his passion and through it he became a mentor and father figure to many.
An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting throughout North America, especially quail hunting in West Texas and Elida, New Mexico. He loved fishing for crappie and running trot lines for catfish on Lake Whitney.
Johnny and Jimmie traveled extensively. They made seven trips to Europe and numerous ones throughout North America. Johnny loved getting to know people wherever he traveled and created lifelong friends along his journeys. One of his most memorable trips was when Kate & John were 5 and 3. The family spent six weeks traveling the West coast and Pacific Northwest in a van he had equipped with a chuckwagon.
His favorite hobbies and past times included scratch offs, cooking, playing games, collecting Amex points, buying kitchen appliances, and trying to convert the masses to his conservative political beliefs.
After semi-retiring from the fastener business, they moved to Dublin, TX to their new adventure…The Rivet Ranch. The ranch became his happy place where he raised cattle, enjoyed time with his grandkids and shared his home with family and friends. If he ever went missing, he could be found in his tractor clearing cedars or shredding. He often said, “No man would ever need a shrink if he owned a tractor.”
Johnny was a wise, driven and articulate father and friend. He believed in LIVING LIFE TO ITS FULLEST… And he did.
He is survived by his loving wife Jimmie Byler, his two children Kate & Bryan Forsythe of Flower Mound, TX their children Brennan, Caden & Graham; John and Kristi Byler of Argyle, Texas, their children John M and MaKenzie. His sister, Joann & Micheal Johnson of Bullard, Texas and many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, February 10, at Pecan Cemetery in Dublin, Texas.
Be the first to comment