Michael Leonard Dillard

Michael Leonard Dillard was born on December 18, 1952 to the union of Robert and Allie Dillard, in Winston Salem, North Carolina. He was the fifth sibling of six children. His early childhood was spent in Winston Salem and Washington DC. In 1956 his parents relocated to Los Angeles, California where he continued his childhood and education, graduating from Locke High School in 1971. At the age of eighteen Michael was drafted into the U.S Army, whereby he was a truck driver.

After the military, Michael attended three colleges in the field of Architecture in Los Angeles, California. He was also a member of the American Institute of Architects and the National Organization of Minority Architects.

His professional career entailed employment with Hughes Helicopters, Jet Propulsion Laboratory and various architectural firms. Michael retired from California State University, Long Beach, as a Facilities Planner, after sixteen years of service.

Michael loved and maintained extreme passion for his work in the field of architecture and construction. He encouraged his younger brother Matthew to begin learning drafting in junior high school. Michael paved the path for Matthew, whereas both brothers continued in the same profession, architecture. The brothers also shared a passion for the sports, basketball and football. Michael was a loyal Raider fan.

Michael was a bachelor his entire adult life. As he loved and cherished his family, he had a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews. He always put family first and would almost always be first in attendance for family gatherings.

He was a member of Saint Martin's Episcopal Church (Compton, CA) during his early childhood and teenage years.

After living in the Los Angeles area for the majority of his life, Michael moved to Buena Park, CA where he built additions for two of his residences. He completed the majority of the construction himself while working as a full time employee.

While living in Buena Park, Michael purchased and maintained a motor boat where he loved taking family members including nieces and nephews out on the ocean.

Michael became ill in January, 2012 where he fought vigorously to overcome his illness. Although Michael was in severe pain during his illness, he rarely complained. He did not retire from full time employment until October, 2014.

Michael began his flight with angels on Monday, May 4, 2015. He will join his parents Robert L. Dillard and Allie Brown Dillard and older sister, Sybil W. Dillard who preceded him in death. He leaves behind three brothers, one sister, two God-daughters, and three sister-in-laws. Brothers, Ronnie L. Dillard (Judy), Robert L. Dillard Jr. (Cathy), Matthew P. Dillard (Wendy), and a sister Valerie Maxwell. God-daughters TaKisha Maxwell (niece) and Lauren A. Dillard (niece). He will also be missed by one uncle, four aunts, sixteen nieces, eight nephews, and a host of cousins, friends and co-workers.

"God Bless You, Michael, You Are Resting In Peace"