Thomas "Ed" Dillard

October 20, 1930 ~ March 30, 2023
Born in:
Jackson County, NC
Resided in:
Columbus, NC
Columbus, NC – Thomas “Ed” Dillard, 92, of Columbus, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Thursday, March 30, 2023.
Ed was born in Jackson County to the late Love and Mary Dillard. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy “Dot” Hunter Dillard who died in 2012 as well as a brother, Phillip Dillard.
Ed attended Warren Wilson College where he met his wife Dot. He was a long time member of Biltmore Church, where he served as a Deacon and sang in the choir for many years. Ed was a Hydraulic Engineer for 35 years for US Geological Survey. After retiring, he began his successful second career owning a water purification business. He was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed running, fly fishing and playing golf. Next to his devotion to God, he was dedicated to his family. Ed never met a stranger and was adored by all who knew him.
Ed is survived by one daughter, Dianne Crawford (Scott) of Asheville; three sons, Dave Dillard (Karen) of Waxhaw, NC, Eddie Dillard (Pam) of Wallace, NC and Mark Dillard (Donna) of Statesville, NC; two sisters, Wilma Cooper of Atlanta, GA and Nellie Moss of Sylva; ten grandchildren, Chad, Allison (Paul), Brandon (Shannon) Carla (Greg), Ryan (Gina), Brian (Erin), Chloe (Charlie), Clayton (Marcella), Brad (Wei) and Sara (Philip); thirteen great-grandchildren, Cole, Ava, Sophie, Bryce, Cora, Ryan, Reese, Riley, Adeline, Rylee, Ella, Lindsey and Colton as well as several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Ed’s Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, Ed’s family asks that you consider making a contribution in his memory to either Biltmore Church (biltmorechurch.com) or Never Thirst (neverthirstwater.org).
Services
Celebration of Life: April 15, 2023 2:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Visitation: April 15, 2023 1:00 pm - February 11, 2025 2:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
I love my Grandfather. Such a special man – so positive, smart, loving, funny, and a great story teller. My family and I had the opportunity to spend time with him this past October and it was a perfect visit that I will always remember. We laughed, we ate lunch, he asked his great grand children all about school and all of their activities. He was still so mentally sharp and knew details about each of their interests. And of course we had some ice cream to finish off a perfect visit. I know where I get my love of ice cream from for sure.
I also know he loved Jesus, so I have no doubt where he is today and the joy he is experiencing being in His presence. We will miss you tremendously, but I know you are experiencing a joy we can’t even imagine. Love you Grandad.
Dad was a great mentor and role mode for me growing up and in my adult life. He was a witness to so many people and I admired the life he lived. We had a great childhood growing up and he set the example.
Dave, so sorry to hear about your dad. Hope you and Karen are doing OK otherwise. Bud
Dad was a great mentor and role model for me growing up and in my adult life. He was a witness to so many people and I admired the life he lived. We had a great childhood growing up and he set the example.
Dave, I’m very sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. I know from the way you talked about him that your bond is close. And he left a strong, Godly legacy through you and the humble, serving leader you are. Grace and Peace to you and your family.
Although he had retired before I started to work and I only had the opportunity to be around him for a few brief encounters, as a now retired technician from usgs I heard his name often and obviously saw his name on many documents throughout my career. Ed was highly respected and frequently referred to in the Asheville field office by those who had worked for him. He had the reputation of being very professional and his contributions to the office were many. The integrity of the data collected was exceptional and the quality of his work and leadership enabled those who followed him to have a much easier job thanks to the network he established and maintained. My condolences go out to his family.
I have a few memories of Ed and Dot and I remember how sweet and welcoming they were. My grandfather LeRoy and grandmother Nell Hunter took me up there to see them one weekend and I felt so safe around them. Very kind people. I wish we could have gotten to know each other more over the years. Rest in heaven Ed. Both you and Dot are missed dearly.
I have so many wonderful memories of Mr. Ed! I was Dianne’s best friend growing up and took many trips with them to the beach and sleep overs at their home in Oak Forest.
I remember one particular beach trip… I lost $100. in McDonalds, Myrtle Beach.
Mr. Ed gave me 100. to replace mine and said “Cindy, you do not owe me anything and you won’t have to spend a penny while you are with me”!
Who does that! He was the kindest man!!
Our condolences to all the Dillard family and ones that have special memories like mine.
I can see him a the feet of Jesus praising and singing🙏❤️