Obituary: Thomas Dillard
Thomas Dillard, 87, of Bolivar, departed this life Monday, January 27, 2025, at Christian Care Center in Bolivar. Arrangements are incomplete with Shackelford Funeral Directors in Bolivar.
Graveside services will be at Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery, Toone on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. Visitation for Mr. Dillard will be at Shackelford’s Bolivar Chapel on Friday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
A native of Hardeman County, Mr. Dillard was the son of the late Thomas Columbus Dillard and Nannie Estelle Beshires Dillard. After his local schooling, Mr. Dillard entered the U.S. Navy where he served proudly for 22 years including 2 1/2 tours of Vietnam retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, Athens, Georgia, and San Diego, California, while in service, but returned home to live the remainder of his life in Hardeman County. Additionally, he enjoyed working as a mechanic at Jeter’s Service Station.
On May 17, 1965, Mr. Dillard married Barbara Ann Wilson, whom he met while stationed in Georgia. They were married nearly 33 years at the time of her passing on May 10, 1998. As a youth, he had attended Piney Grove Baptist Church and was considered by many to be quite the “jack-of-all-trades”. He enjoyed gardening and was blessed to be able to grow nearly anything he desired. Mr. Dillard also liked to bar-b-que. He was an avid reader, as well. Perhaps his most endearing quality was always being ready to lend a helping hand, many times to just babysit or carry the elderly to a doctor’s appointment or run an errand.
He leaves his son, Jeff Dillard of Bolivar; sister, Birdie King of Bolivar; sisters-in-law, Judy Dillard and Nancy Dillard, both of Bolivar; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Burton and James Dillard.
Memorials may be sent to LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee or the Bolivar-Hardeman County Library.
Courtesy of Shackelford Funeral Directors, Bolivar, Tennessee.
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