"John was a wonderful servant to the club and a wonderful person," said Sargent.
"He was one of those guys who never stopped working and never complained.
"Everyone at the club will miss him."
John has been a feature at Lydney Rugby Club since the 1960s, holding various official positions, including the role of secretary for 17 years.
Jeremy Williams, who was club chairman for much of the time that John was secretary, said: "I've known him since I was child and I'm now over 60. He was a lovely man. Unsung hero is a term that applies to lots of people of his vintage and generation, but he did a whole heap of things for nothing, other than the love of the club.
"I remember the stand needed painting and John was happy to lie on his back on a plank in the rafters and do it. He must have got covered in paint.
"He was a cracking good guy."
Another pal, Jay Powell, said: "He was a good mate who would do anything for the club.
"He helped in the bar and did the public announcing at matches. He was sociable, outgoing and one of those people you knew you could rely on."