William C. "Bill" Dillard

William Cecil "Bill" Dillard, age 87 of Cornelia, GA, passed away Thursday, November 04, 2010, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following an extended illness.
Born in Habersham County, GA on June 20, 1923 he was the son of the late Cecil Newton and Grace Hardy Dillard. He was a United States Marine serving during World War II in the South Pacific Theater on the island of Iwo Jima. Mr. Dillard began his career in the insurance business in 1950 with The Life of Virginia Insurance Company. In 1968 he continued his career as owner/agent of Cornelia Insurance Agency for a number of years. Mr. Dillard was an active member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia and served as a member of their Board of Directors as a representative of the Northeast Georgia chapter. He was a 33rd degree Mason in the Cornelia Masonic Lodge #92 F. & A.M., where he received his 50 year pin. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite and was a Shriner. Mr. Dillard was a former Cornelia Kiwanian and was a member and former deacon of First Baptist Church in Cornelia. He was baptized into the church membership in 1934 and since that time has served in a variety of leadership roles. Mr. Dillard enjoyed golfing, crosswords, swing bands, bird and deer watching. He was a loving husband of 62 years, father, grandfather and great grandfather. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Faye Elrod Dillard; brother, Hoyt S. Dillard.
Surviving are daughters and sons-in-law, Lynn and Mickey Hilliard of Baldwin, Kerri and Wes Dodd and Dianne and Ralph Moss all of Cornelia; son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Shirley Dillard of Baldwin; grandchildren, Jacque Dillard, Chip and Cynda Dillard, Jay and Andrea Dillard, Meredith Hilliard, Bill and Amy Rogers, Brad Rogers, Miles Moss, Millie Hilliard, Ty Moss, Avery Dodd and Diana Dodd; great grandchildren, Audrey Dillard, Lexie Moss and Luke Dillard.
Funeral services are 2:00 pm Sunday, November 07, 2010, at the First Baptist Church of Cornelia with Dr. Eric Spivey, Pastor Tim Beasley and Rev. Steve Doran officiating. Interment will follow in Level Grove Cemetery with full military honors provided by American Legion Post #84, Rabun County DAV Chapter #15 and Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2-4 & 6-8 pm on Saturday.
The family is at the residence of daughter, Kerri Dodd, 208 Grand Avenue, Cornelia, GA 30531.
Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Cornelia, P.O. Box 96, Cornelia, GA 30531.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.