Jonathan Dillard (Lansing)

Jonathan Dillard was born January 15, 1937 in Luverne, Alabama to Julius and Laura Dillard. He was the third child born to this union. Joe, as he was affectionately known, attended Crenshaw County Schools in Luverne. Joe confessed his love for Christ at a young age and served the Lord faithfully at St. James Baptist Church.

Our father, brother, uncle, and friend served St. James Baptist Church in Luverne, Alabama and New Faith Baptist Church in Lansing, Michigan as a devoted member, deacon, and associate minister. Joe was also a skilled professional truck driver for many years. This occupation afforded him the opportunity to travel and see our vast country.

In his free time, Joe enjoyed fishing, hunting, singing and storytelling. He had the voice of an angel and was known for his beautiful tenor vocals. All who knew Joe knew he was a skilled automotive mechanic. He could repair, build, or rebuild any car engine. He often repaired his own rig when necessity warranted.

During the early eighties, following his career as a truck driver, Joe relocated to Lansing, Michigan where he became a deacon and licensed minister under the leadership of Pastor G. L. Porter at New Faith Baptist Church. After many years in Lansing, Joe returned to Luverne to be closer to his friends and family.

After many significant health challenges, Joe was brought back to Lansing by family in January 2017 to receive acute care and medical attention. Unfortunately, his health continued to decline and he departed this life Sunday, June 30, 2019 at Dimondale Nursing Care Center. Age 82 years.

Joe leaves to cherish his memory, children: three sons, Robert, Jonathan, Jr. and Dwayne Dillard of Dallas, Texas and one daughter Diane Dillard of Ft. Worth, Texas; twenty-one grandchildren, and eighteen great grandchildren. Joe reconnected with four daughters, whom he loved dearly and they reciprocated his love; one brother, Willie George Dillard; brother-in-law, Charlie B. Turman of Lansing, Michigan; sisters-in-law, Johnnie Dillard of Luverne, Alabama and Sandra Dillard of Orlando, Florida; and many of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends including Dorothy Dillard, the mother of Robert, Jonathan, Jr., Dwayne and Diane.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents: Julius and Laura Dillard; three brothers, Nathaniel Dillard, Rogers Dillard, and Levon McMillion; and three sisters, Veola Davis, Cleo Turman, and Katie McMillian.