John Dillard
John Edward Dillard, 73, on Thursday, February 13, 2020, God called John to his heavenly home.
John accepted Christ at an early age in Birmingham, Alabama. He was a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church.
John was the son of the late Robert L. Dillard Sr. and Catherine G. Dillard; Birmingham. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Robert L. Dillard Jr., James Price Dillard; mother-in-law, Mrs. Deloria A. Westfield; brothers- in- law, Louis Chislom, Jr., James S. Westfield.
John was a graduate of Alabama A & M University, class of 1972, where he became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., the 21st Conspiracy, on April 17, 1971. He completed four years in the United States Air Force (1965-1969) where he received an honorable discharge. John retired from Sompo Japan Insurance Company as a Claims Adjuster and supervisor after five years of service. He also worked for the Hartford Insurance Company, retiring after 35 years of service and the American National Bank (Sun Trust).
He is survived by his loyal, caring wife, Valerie Akins Dillard; sons, Jermicah O. Jennings, Chattanooga, and Johnathan (LaShawn) Dillard, Jonesboro, GA; daughters, Tammi (Devon ) Wilson, Southfield, MI., Deidre (Duane), Dilwork, St Louis MO, Angel Dillard, LaVergne TN; 10 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren; sisters, Margaret E. Jones, Shirley Ann Hayes, Barbara Ann Dillard, Lorraine Dillard , all of Birmingham; brother, Andrew D. (Joann) Dillard, Birmingham, Al; two sisters- in- law; four brothers-in-law; one very dedicated grandson and caregiver, DeWayne Middleton; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives; very special friends, Frank and Jamie Otis.
Public viewing will begin at noon on Thursday, Feb. 20, with family visitation from 6-8 p.m. in the chapel.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, at Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Ernest L. Reid, Jr. as eulogist.
Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995.