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 2:30 pm, Friday, January 31, 2025, at Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery, Toone.  Visitation for Mr. Dillard will be from 1:00 - 2:00 pm Friday at Shackelford's Bolivar Chapel.

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 US Navy where he served proudly for 22 years including 2 1/2 tours of Vietnam retiring as a 1st Class Petty Officer.  He had been stationed in Norfolk, VA, Athens, GA and San Diego, CA, 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.  He 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 baby-sit 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, TN or the Bolivar-Hardeman County Library.