Roy Wayne Dillard, age 81, passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2023 at his residence in Brandon, MS. Wayne was born June 10, 1941 to John Robert and Ethel Iola Mathews Dillard. He graduated from Pontotoc High School in 1959, and played basketball at Mississippi College for four years and earned a math degree. Wayne worked for Delta Airlines from 1963 until 1992 and retired after 29 years. He lived in Brandon, MS where he was active in the Mississippi Private School Association Athletics. Wayne was the 1992-93 Official of the Year. He earned a perfect score on the 2001-02 National Federation Basketball Rules Closed Book Test. Wayne officiated many basketball games and went on to train other officials. He was inducted into the Mississippi Private School Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame in 2007. Wayne also served on the Crossgates Homeowners Association where he lived for several years. He enjoyed playing tennis, traveling, and serving the private schools association in numerous positions. Wayne followed all of his nieces, nephews and their children across the state to many sporting events. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.
Services will be at 3:00 PM, Friday, April 7, 2023 at Victory Baptist Church in Pontotoc, MS with Ryan Swanson, Andrew Duggar and Neil Duggar delivering the eulogy and reflecting on Wayne’s life. Burial will follow in Victory Cemetery. Browning Funeral Home in Pontotoc, MS is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.
Survivors include his sister, Rita Faye Dillard Daily; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, as well as great-great nieces and nephews.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John N. Dillard (Arther Rhee) and William Dillard; and a brother-in-law, Wayne Daily.
Visitation will be from 2 to 3 PM Friday at Victory Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Condolences may be offered at www.browningpontotoc.com
