Sam Dillard

Sam Dillard 93, Kokomo, Indiana formally of Newellton, Louisiana made his transition at 7:00 am Sunday April 18,2010 at the home of his niece in Columbus, Ga., where he had been visiting. Mr. Sam Dillard was born on April 15, 1917 the son of Prince Dillard and Martha Calvin-Dempsey in Newellton, La. He was married to Blanche Theresa Dillard for over 65 years before her death July 24, 2009 He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having served as Master Sargent. Mr. Dillard was self employed as a entrepreneur, he was an independent farmer, owned Dillard's Laundromat, and the North-end Snack Shop. He was a long time member of Newellton Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Newellton, La where he served as Deacon for over 40 years. Most currently he attended Second Missionary Baptist Church, Kokomo, Indiana. Mr. Dillard was the first African American elected as president of the Tensas Parish Police Jury, the governing body for the parish.(county) He serve as an elected official for 27 years after which he moved to Kokomo, Indiana. Mr. Sam Dillard was President of the Voters League of Newellton, La, he was instrumental in the building of subsidized housing and bringing a hospital to the community and construction of a bridge. A street has been named in his honor in his home town of Newellton, La. Sam Dillard was a recognized civil rights leader in the state of Louisiana and recognized for his dedication to equal rights for everyone. He was often contacted by national civil right leaders for the advancement of the civil justice. He worked with Julian Bond and Andrew Young to secure the right to vote for the citizens in Tensas Parish. Sam enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Mr. Dillard was a lifetime member of M.W. Prince Hall Lodge, Pride of Tensas Lodge, number 24. A 32nd degree Mason.

He leaves to cherish his memories, daughter, Theresa D. Anglin (Ben);one grandson Keith D. Lang (Shy), Sister Hazel Washington: Nieces and Nephews, Lillian Williams (Edward) Joan Oehlert (Dean), Doris Gibson (Eddie) ,Audrey Washington, Will Washington, Edward Washington, Donna Washington, Angie Wade, Kevin Washington (Lacey), Edward Dempsey (Barbara),James Winston, (Barbara), Reeta Williams (John), Leslie Winston (Necie), Jeannie Mays (Eugene), Vickie Winston, Joe Winston, Jr., and David Winston. Great granddaughters, Keihera C. Lang, LaTecia Williams; goddaughter, Diana Coleman, stepsons J.W. Douglas (Gloria) and John Douglas (Marie); step granddaughters, Jessica Douglas, Mary Ann Walker ( Russ); special sister, Alma Ruth Reid, Special caregivers Connie Callis, Leola La Grone, and Virginia Bender and a host of other relatives and friends.

A special thanks to Dr. Lance Washington of Kokomo and the friends and support system in Columbus, Georgia and Kokomo, Indiana.