WIMBERLEY - John Epley, 77, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, following a series of medical complications.
He was born October 23, 1948, in Stanton, to James and Charlotte Epley. Due to a courthouse fire, some records later reflected October 22, 1948, allowing him to celebrate his birthday twice each year - something he fully embraced. He spent much of his early life in Midland.
John was previously married to Patricia Reichle Epley of Midland. During those years, he began his career in the oil and gas industry by founding his own operating company and later worked for many years as a landman. He raised three children and spent weekends on the sidelines of their games or skiing in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
John lived an active and adventurous life. As a teenager, he raced Corvettes with his brother, and in his twenties, he completed forty-one skydives. He was an accomplished golfer who played for the love of the game, forming lasting friendships along the way. He was also a lifelong fan of baseball, one of his greatest joys outside of time with his family and the golf course.
For the last twenty-two years, John shared his life with his wife, Nancye Kubby Britner, in Wimberley. Together, they were active members of First Baptist Church of Wimberley and participated in civic and Republican Party activities in Hays County and beyond. Nancye preceded him in death on January 3, 2026. They often joked that if one left, the other would follow - and so he did.
John is survived by his children: Michael Ryan Epley and his daughter, Eleanor Epley; Erin Michelle Epley; and Meagan Diane Epley.
He is also survived by Nancye’s family, whom he considered his own: her son, Otley Smith and his wife, Kristy Smith; their children, Danielle Knee and her husband, Nick Knee, and their children, Nixon and Dawsyn; Shelby Randol and her husband, Austin Randol, and their children, Bowen, Magnolia, and Quaid; Haley Dundon; and Otley Smith V.
John will be remembered for his perseverance, love of family, enduring optimism, and deep faith.
A celebration of life will be at First Baptist Church of Wimberley, at 1:30 p.m. on April 16.