Rev. Daniel Dale Graybill's Obituary
Rev. Daniel D. Graybill, age 65, passed away at home on May 21, 2026, surrounded by family after a courageous nine-year battle with amyloidosis. Dan was born on November 25, 1960, the fourth child of a pastor’s family in Michigan City, Indiana. After several moves due to his father’s ministry, he graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1978. Dan went on to attend and graduate from Spring Arbor College studying Contemporary Ministries, and then continued to Asbury Theological Seminary to study Christian Education. He became ordained in the Free Methodist Church in 1987, following in his father’s footsteps.
Dan married Sandra Hoyle on August 8, 1987, in Ravenna, Michigan. Together, they served four churches during the course of their ministry: Saranac Free Methodist Church, Grand Rapids First Free Methodist Church, Hastings Free Methodist Church, and Ravenna Free Methodist Church.
Dan spent the majority of his career in Hastings, Michigan and during that time Dan and Sandy had three children: Emily, Katelyn, and Brian. Dan loved being part of the community in a variety of ways, and the community loved him. He never missed one of his kids’ concerts, sporting events, or musicals. His dedication to his kids spilled over onto the grandkids—always cheering them on in all their activities, even from a distance. He had a passion for building and fixing things and could often be found in a nearby hardware store.
As a pastor, Dan had the unique opportunity to meet and serve numerous people from all different walks of life. He was always ready to help anyone who called on him, even when seemingly inconvenient. Dan used his love for God and people to make long-term impacts wherever he was serving. One of the highlights of his career was relocating the Hastings FM Church to a new facility and watching how God orchestrated the growth of the church. Dan also loved leading and serving at kids’ and family camps for numerous years.
In 2013, Dan and Sandy moved from Hastings to Ravenna. Dan served faithfully as the pastor of Ravenna FM Church until his retirement in 2018, when the disease he was battling (amyloidosis) left him unable to serve in a full-time capacity. However, his illness and retirement never stopped him from serving the church and surrounding communities. Dan continued his ministry as a volunteer at the Ravenna FM Church, and even worked for several months as an interim pastor, right up until the time his body no longer allowed him to do so.
Dan’s legacy will be continued by so many family members, friends, and colleagues. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Sandy; his children Emily (Oliver) Beans, Katelyn (Nathan) Ford, Brian (Owen) Graybill; his grandchildren Simon, Vivian, Martin, Aliyah, Jayson, and Zoey; his siblings Joe (Sue) Graybill and Melodee (Amy) Graybill; sister-in-law, Amy Graybill; along with many other loved ones.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Florence Graybill; brother, John Graybill; and an infant sister, Mary Beth Graybill.
A visitation will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 5:00pm to 7:00 pm at Ravenna Free Methodist Church, 2620 S Ravenna Rd, Ravenna, MI 49451. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Hastings Free Methodist Church, 2635 M-43, Hastings, MI 49058, with visitation beginning at 12:30pm. The service will be led by Rev. Brian Teed and Rev. Alex Mace.
Memorial contributions in honor of Dan may be made to Ravenna Free Methodist Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Share memories with the family at https://sytsemafh.com.
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