Christopher Dillon

August 5, 1975 - August 19, 2024

Chris Dillon never met a stranger. Within a minute or two in his orbit, you would feel like a longtime friend – whether he met you socially, or through his work for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Chris was an amazing, father, husband, friend and deputy. Nothing made him happier than being with his wife Melissa, and their boys, Ethan and Jacob.

Chris was introduced to Melissa on a blind date on December 10th, 2004. He described the encounter as "love at first sight," and anyone who witnessed them together could tell they were meant to be. Chris and Melissa married in 2007 and welcomed their first son, Jacob, in 2009, followed by their second child, Ethan, in 2014.

Chris cherished simple family moments, whether camping, playing with his boys, or working on Melissa's numerous home improvement ideas. He had a soft side, and would watch romantic comedies and Hallmark movies with Melissa. And he was funny, as well. It brought Chris great joy to make people laugh.

The greatest joys of his life, however, were Melissa and his boys. His dedication as a father was unrivaled. Chris spent his free time coaching baseball and flag football, and was always present and beaming with pride as he cheered on his sons and celebrated their achievements. Chris' family was his world and he never shied away from telling them how much he loved them and how much they meant to him.

Chris was born August 5, 1975 in Bloomington, Illinois, where he spent his elementary school years. Chris relocated to Florida and attended Lyman High School. After high school, he worked the day shift at Winn-Dixie while studying at night for the police academy. Driven by a desire to make a difference and help his community, Chris began his law enforcement career with the Casselberry Police Department before joining the Orange County Sheriff's Office in 2001, where he rose through the ranks to achieve the rank of Lieutenant. And recently, he fulfilled his dream of earning a Master's Degree from Columbia Southern University.

Chris was passionate about his work in the Criminal Investigations Division, and was proud to have served in Homicide and the Investigative Services Section. Chris always stood up for the underdog, and demonstrated unwavering dedication to justice and compassion for those affected by violent crime. Chris always ensured that victims were treated with the highest level of dignity, and he had an uncanny ability to remain composed and empathetic, even in the face of the most challenging cases. This unique combination of professionalism and compassion made him an invaluable asset to the agency and a source of comfort for countless victims and their families.

Chris will be eternally remembered and deeply missed by his loving wife, Melissa, sons Jacob and Ethan, and a large network of family, friends, and law enforcement colleagues who cherished him. Chris had a light that shone brightly, through his actions and his unforgettable smile. That light can never be extinguished.

Chris is survived by his wife, Melissa Dillon, and their two sons, Jacob and Ethan Dillon; parents, Tony and Barbara Dillon; brother, Shannon Dillon (and his wife, Brittany); sisters Stephanie Dillon, Michelle Jarrell, Tonya Kearns and Holli Buerle; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Scott and Brenda Heisner, as well as two sisters-in-law: Stephanie Egan (and her husband Barry) and Cheree Gandy (and her husband Justin). Additionally, Chris is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, friends and co-workers, whose lives were forever touched by him.

A funeral service for Christopher will be held Tuesday, September 10, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at External Service Location, 2300 Pembrook Dr, Orlando, FL 32810.