John “Danny” Daniel Plyler, 68, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025. He was born in Union County, NC on July 11, 1957, son to the late Roy and Joyce Secrest Plyler.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 PM on Friday, December 19, 2025, in the Chapel of Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave., Monroe, NC 28112, with visitation to follow the service. A private graveside service was held prior at Siler Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Danny is survived by his wife, Kay Birmingham Plyler, three sons, Wyatt Plyler, Jonathan Culbreth (Janet), Matt Culbreth (Amanda), sister Ann Carlton (Steve), niece Elizabeth Lutv (Zachary), and six grandchildren, Jaxton Culbreth, Pamela Strawderman (Toby), Dalton Downey, Moses Culbreth, Josie Culbreth, and Luke Culbreth.

Danny was a Christian, loving husband and father. He was calm, gentle, and a caring provider. He loved people and if you knew him, you loved him.

Danny had many lifelong friends and a lifelong business. Upon graduating from Sun Valley High School in 1975, instead of going to college through football, he told his dad, “Don’t waste your money because I don’t want the school, I would just play football and party.” He decided to work for two years for his dad, Roy Plyler, at Plyler Heating and Air. He soon learned that crawling under houses was not for him. Ever since his 8th grade year, he had a mind for fitness and taking care of his body. He had a dream of opening a gym and his father helped him in building the first gym in Monroe, and it still remains successful to this day. He enjoyed helping people and made such an impact that friends he made along the way would come back to visit and spend time with him. He always said, “I have never gone to work” because his love for the gym and people outweighed the “work” that needed to be done.

Danny was getting ready to retire and he and his wife, Kay, had purchased a farm in Jefferson, SC and they were to spend their first night in their new home Saturday, December 20th.

As shocking and heartbreaking this is, Danny is in his best home, with Jesus Christ, his Savior. He will be celebrating Christmas in a mighty way this year. As much as we miss him, we know he would never want to leave Heaven. Rest in peace my love and we look forward to meeting you again one day. We love you!!

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the Memphis, TN, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory is honored to be entrusted to care for the Plyler Family.