John Allen "Jay" Peppler, aged 75, passed away on October 20, 2025, at a local hospital. Born on December 8, 1949, in Baltimore, Maryland, he was the son of Edgar Allen Peppler and Mary Virginia Reese.

Jay spent his childhood in Cockeysville and Towson, Maryland. He attended Leonard Hall Naval Academy in Leonardtown, Maryland, followed by Calvert Hall College High School in Towson. In May 1971, Jay met Lavena Grace Swann, and they were married on November 27, 1971.

Professionally, Jay worked as an auto mechanic for 55 years and as an auto parts specialist for 10 years before retiring in 2022. Even in retirement, he continued to work on cars during his spare time.

Jay was passionate about NHRA Racing Events and specialized in Ford horsepower race cars. He was known among friends and fellow racers as a dedicated Ford enthusiast who was always willing to assist others both on and off the track. His love for restoring classic vehicles, particularly Fords, was shared with his family, whom he frequently brought to racing events. Jay is remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jay is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lavena; his daughter, Shea Evelyn Faulkner; his son, John Allen Peppler Jr.; and his grandchildren, Charles Jay Faulkner, Abigail Madison Faulkner, Britton-John A. Peppler, and Mikalyn R. Peppler.  He is also survived by two sisters, Joni Marie Ingle and Elisabeth Ann Miller.