Patrick Dillard

Patrick Dillard, 79, lifelong Homosassa native and resident, passed away on Tues., June 17, 2025 at Tampa General Hospital in Crystal River. Patrick was born in Homosassa on June 10, 1946 to George and Bessie (Greene) Dillard, one of eight children. At the age of 21, he began a long 41 year career that he loved at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, where he served as Park Ranger. Literally fearless during his entire career, there was not a single duty he did not perform well, and not a single undertaking he did not take seriously and excel at. Patrick loved to fish. If he could, he would have been on the Homosassa River or Mason Creek fishing. He loved talking to people and telling everyone about the park that he had worked at for so many years. He never knew a stranger. He loved watching true crime shows like Unsolved Mysteries and 48 hours. He loved banana pudding, fried mullet with grits, collard greens and carrot cake. In addition to his parents, Patrick was preceded in death by sisters BettlyLou Hutchinson, Alice (Marie) Sikes and Mary Weaver; his identical twin brother, Jere Dillard, and a daughter-in-law Diane Dillard. He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years (together for 40 years), Sarah Jane Dillard, Homosassa; children Brian Keith Dillard and Patrick Mark Dillard, both of Homosassa, and Tanya Sue Peterson, also of Homosassa; grandchildren Justin Lee Stackhouse, Bryan, Elijah and Dakota Dillard, Erica Rene Rivera (husband Adam), all of Homosassa; Amera Joy Malz (husband Erik), Meridian, MS and Eric Christopher Peterson, Jr. (wife Rayanna), Pensacola, FL; great grandchildren Lynzie Rene, Cassiel Elliott, Sullivan Alexander and Makenna Joy Rivera, all of Homosassa, and Benjamin Samuel Peterson, Pensacola, FL; brothers Johnny Dillard (wife Loy), Pensacola, FL and Clark Neeld (wife Sheila), Middleburg, FL and sister Debbie Hicks (husband Freddie), Homosassa, FL. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sat., June 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Christian Center Church in Homosassa with Pastor Jason Hanks officiating. Friends will be received from 10:00 AM until celebration time. Burial will follow at Fountains Memorial Park in Homosassa. Macrini-Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, Florida