obit-thumbnail

Dr. John Starling Disher

April 21, 1943 - February 6, 2021
Visitation
Thomas McAfee - Downtown Chapel
639 North Main Street
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 232-6733 | Map
Sunday 2/14, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Service
Thomas McAfee - Downtown Chapel
639 North Main Street
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 232-6733 | Map
Monday 2/15, 10:00 am

Dr. John Starling Disher, 77, devoted husband of the late Marsha Fly Disher, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 6, 2021, after a brief, brave battle with cancer. Born in Savannah, GA, he was the son of the late Sidney Earnest and Wilma Shaver Disher. John was a member of Berea Friendship UnitedContinue Reading

Watch Video Tribute
Plant a tree in memory of Dr. John
An environmentally friendly option.
Stephen Roach left a message on February 16, 2021:
Sorry for your loss.  I have fond (now) memories of Dr. Disher as he took on my teeth early on in his practice, I think I was patient 277 as he kept impressions of teeth along the walls of the exam room.  I think when he ushered me out the door I had spent about 10 years as his patient and my impression had moved to the front of the row as the oldest patient at the time.  I think I still have a retainer I took to college and didn't wear... Thanks for his patience.
Phil and Kacky Elliott left a message on February 14, 2021:
Dear John's family,
We have such fond memories of your Dad, and Mom, when they were neighbors of ours in Northwood Hills! For a surprise birthday party for Phil, they gave us a "Garbage Patch" doll which we still have.
Your parents were a delight and we're so sad to read in the Greenville News that now you've lost your Dad.
Sincerely,
Terry Willis left a message on February 13, 2021:
To the Disher family : I will miss my friend , colleague and patient very much . I met John in 1978 when I opened my dental practice a half mile away from his orthodontic practice. We shared many treatment plans and patients through the years. His skills as a dentist were unmatched , all the cases we did together turned out great if we got just a little patient compliance . My daughter has a beautiful smile that is a tribute to John’s craft . Not so long ago he showed up at my office with Ortho bands on and I told him he looked ten years younger. , just keep them on ! His wit and humor were another gift , I am sorry we did not get to do more things together. Peace to the family. Terry A. Willis DMD
Sandra Beckham left a message on February 13, 2021:
Dear Alison, Brian and Eric - You have my sincere sympathy in the loss of your dad.  The video was a beautiful tribute to your parents and your family and it brought back so many memories of our families doing school PTA, Scouts, community events and "braces" x two".   Though we will always miss them, I'm proud to remember our friendship and cherish the fond memories.  Two lives well lived on earth.   May God continue to provide for your every need, give you peace and comfort in the loving memories you shared.   With love, Sandra Beckham
Al and Susan Sherbert left a message on February 13, 2021:
Alison and all the family. Thinking of you all with love and prayers as you grieve, remember and celebrate the life of your precious dad. It has been many years since we have had contact with you all, but the fond memories will be with us always. Love from all the Sherbert Family
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Keith and Bonnie East left a message on February 13, 2021:
In memory of Dr. John Starling Disher, Keith and Bonnie East lit a candle
Harry and Marsha Wells left a message on February 12, 2021:
John and Marsha have been our longest standing friends for over 55 years.  We all met in college and in many ways grew up together.  Marsha Disher was Marsha Wells' big sister in the sorority and I became fast friends with John in the mid sixties and our two families shared an annual outing at Lake Cumberland, KY since 1970.  That annual gathering started with just the four of us and grew to 20 of with kids, grandkids and son and daughter in laws.  The Dishers have been our "Lake family" for half a century and we will still keep that tradition going, especially now that Eric bought a boat!
John was by far the most humorous and witty guy I ever knew.  He was truly the life of the party whether there was a party going on or not.  He had jokes for mixed company and just for the guys, all in good fun that would make everyone around him feel good.  In recent years he was a fountain of You Tube videos that were always entertaining.  John and I shared a lot of serious conversations, too, about our lives and our families.  Just as Marsha is irreplacable for my wife Marsha, John will always be one of kind in my life.  To say I will miss him is a vast understatement, just as to say we have missed Marsha is as well.  It just won't be the same without John and Marsha in Kentucky every August, but our families will stick together and enjoy the great memories of  50 years on the Lake!
Tom and Steven Robertson left a message on February 11, 2021:
Dear Brian, Alison, Eric, we were saddened by the news of John's passing. We will always cherish the memories we had of our Saturday morning breakfast meetings. May his soul have everlasting peace. With deepest sympathy to you and your families.  Tom and Steven Robertson
Mark & Jennifer Klein left a message on February 11, 2021:
We became friends with John when we joined the Vacation Partners "family" 9 years ago.  His warmth, engaging personality, intelligence and wit were quickly appreciated as we got to know John better through annual meetings and email threads over the years.  Our family joins his, celebrating a full life characterized by focusing on others with a helpful spirit at every turn. To Brian, whom we know, and the extended Disher family, we send our thoughts and prayers for peace, thanksgiving, and strength while we acknowledge John's rightful homecoming to everlasting joy with his Father in heaven. We encourage all of you to fondly recall memories of John's involvement with your lives, and carry those many thoughts throughout all your years ahead with a smile and a wave of warmth whenever they surface. We plan to do the same. :-)
Joe and Barbara Anderson left a message on February 11, 2021:
We met John a few years ago when we moved into the house across the street from him.  He was a good neighbor and friend.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Brian and the rest of the family during this time.
Joan Looper Zepf left a message on February 11, 2021:
Thoughts and prayers are with you as I remember many wonderful times at BFUMC with the Disher family! Sympathy to all and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
Cindy Moore Atkins left a message on February 11, 2021:
Dr. Disher was the one who made my smile what it is today. I went to him in 1981 and he was a very kind, caring and patient doctor to a scared 20 year old. I am praying for peace and comfort for the family left behind until you meet him again.
Steve & Debbie Capps left a message on February 10, 2021:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time in the loss of someone so dear.  John and Marsha were the best people you could ever ask to meet.  They will be missed by so many and we will cherish the memories we made with them both.  We love you all dearly and are praying for God's peace during this time of grief.
Mike and Winni Guffee left a message on February 10, 2021:
Winni and I were blessed to know John and Marsha when I served as the minister at Berea Friendship. Their entire family were very active in the church. John and Marsha held numerous offices and shared their talents in a variety of ways. Our children, Ashley and Michael, were fortunate to have John as their orthodontist. Alison, Brian and Eric may God comfort you and give you peace. Please know that you all are in our prayers.
Kathy left a message on February 10, 2021:
Dr Disher came to Berea around the same time I started my career as a Registered Dental Hygienist, so we “ shared” many patients throughout the years. He was a very respected professional in his field and amongst his patients as well. MANY will be talking about Dr Disher as they hear of his homecoming with Jesus. Prayers for comfort to all who knew Dr Disher.
Gina (Rosa) & Kenneth Hooper left a message on February 10, 2021:
Alison, Brian and Eric, thoughts and prayers to you and your families.  I have fond memories of your dad from church.  The "Putting on the Hits" show is one of my favorites.  Praying your memories will provide you with peace an comfort in the days, weeks and months ahead.
Cheli Turner left a message on February 10, 2021:
Disherwasher, Brian, and Eric: I am terribly saddened to hear about your dad. He was such a pleasant, thoughtful man, who was a treasure throughout Greenville and TR. I believe he was everyone's orthodontist, so he touched a lot of people. 

Please know I am thinking of you and your family and keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Smelly
Carolyn Blankenship left a message on February 10, 2021:
Clarence and I were saddened by the news of Dr. Disher’s death. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time. May God bless and comfort you today and in the days to come.
Barbara Stowe left a message on February 10, 2021:
So sorry to hear of Dr. Disher’s passing. I was in quilting with Marsha. Sweet family.
Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Show More