Sterling "Dillard" Dillard

Husband to Mary Ann Henderson Dillard and Father to Jimmy Dean and Donna Sue Dillard Kent. Born in Spiro Oklahoma, the oldest son of Odes and Alma Dillard. Big Brother to three sisters, and three brothers, Martha, Sharon, Wilma, Abner and two still born brothers.

Dillard attended Keota High School, following graduation in 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While stationed in Pensacola, he met the love of his life, Mary Ann and shared 66 years of marriage together.

He was employed with The Lewis Bear Company for 35 plus years until retirement and then enjoyed being Driver for Manheim Auto Auction for 10 years. Starting in 1964, he enjoyed working with Rev. Jim Hardin in the Royal Rangers Program at Brownsville Assembly of God and continued with the program for approximately 15 years. He then became an Ordained Minister with the Assemblies of God and served as Senior Pastor at Ensley First Assembly as well as Gulf Breeze Assembly.

Sterling Dillard is survived by his spouse, Mary Ann and his daughter, Donna Dillard Kent (Tony) Four (4) grandchildren, Eric (Julie) Kent, Joel (Jessica) Kent, Shandel (John) Sargent and LaTasha (Doc) Dillard Matthews, Eighteen (18) great grandchildren and Two (2) great great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Jimmy Dean, Sister Martha Ann King, Brother Abner Dillard, Parents Odes and Alma Dillard, and mother and father in law Willie and Corrine Henderson.

Celebration services and interment will be held on Friday, December 30th at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 1985 W Nine Mile Rd. Pensacola, FL 32534. Visitation will be held from 10:30 am to 11:30am with services starting at 11:30am.