Roland Lee Dillon

Roland “Rollie” Dillon left this world and entered eternal rest on December 12, 2022 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born on August 2, 1937 at home in Armona, Ca., to William Marcellus and Ada Carrico Dillon, 9th of 11 children.

Roland retired from the lumber business after 40 years of service, most of which was spent as an outside salesman for Diamond International Lumber Company in Hanford, Ca. Many of his coworkers there became lifelong friends. He was a member of the Hanford Masonic Lodge since 1977. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking and telling his colorful stories. He also enjoyed having lunch every month with his Hanford High Alumni and shopping for antiques and bargains. He never met a stranger and was loved by all.

On November 6, 1959, Roland married Betty Jo Gillam in Armona, Ca., making their first home in Hanford, Ca. They celebrated 57 years of marriage until Betty’s death on September 20, 2017.

Roland is survived by his sons, Ronald (Elaine) Dillon and Stanley (Lisa) Dillon both of Tulare, Ca., and a daughter, Denise (Ray) Pendley of Norman, Oklahoma. He had 6 grandchildren including Brandan (Alissa), Ryan, Matthew, Jon (Kimberlee) Dillon; Rebecca and Jason Pendley. He also had 5 great grandchildren: Aubrey, Mackenzie, Cody, Emilyn and Ethan Dillon and a new one arriving late January 2023. He is also survived by 2 brothers, Donald “Babe” Dillon of Grover Beach, Ca. and Edwin Dillon of Roseville, Ca., along with many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will take place on January 5th, 2023 at 10:00am at First Missionary Baptist Church in Armona, Ca., with burial to follow at Grangeville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children online to: Https://lovetotherescue.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared here for the Dillon family.