James "Ed" Edward Dillard

James “Ed” Edward Dillard, 59, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on May 27th, 2023 in Dickson County, Tennessee. Ed was preceded in death by his father James. Surviving are his mother Juanita Dillard of Gulfport, MS, his brother Michael Dillard of East Peoria, IL, his sister Debra Dillard Patterson of Bonita Springs, FL, his son Justin (Caitlin) Dillard of Morton, IL and their two children, his son Matt (Alyssa) Dillard of Milwaukee, WI, his special friend Sarah Deig of Glasford, IL, and countless extended family, friends, and loved ones.

Ed was born in 1963 in Shelbyville, TN. As the son of a veteran, Ed found a calling later in life supporting them, working for the VA as a pharmacist and volunteering with the Patriot Guard Riders. Ed loved spending time with his sons and his grandchildren. Ed also enjoyed all things trains, including his hobby model collection. Ed loved to travel, especially if he could do so by motorcycle or train. Ed was a lifelong reader, and a diehard St. Louis Cardinals and Blues fan.

Ed will be remembered for his painful dad jokes, long thoughtful talks, his friendly nature, and his dedication to his career as a pharmacist. Ed was a man of shameless honesty and was proud of his 14 years of sobriety, but not as proud as those who knew him.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 30th from 4-8 PM at Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel, 1203 W. Garfield Ave, Bartonville, IL 61607. A service in Little Rock will be arranged at a later date in the summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed’s honor to the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Davison-Fulton-BartonvilleChapel.com for the Dillard family.