He was born in Stafford Missouri on July 27, 1929 to Bessie and Abner Piland, and
Graduated from Oregon Institute of Technology specializing in automotive mechanics.
Dillard was married to Leona Hess in 1953 and they remained together until her passing in January 1986.
Dillard then Married to Joanne Thomas in 1992 until her passing July 2001.
He worked at Everist Brothers Automotive for approximately 15 years, and then for the City of Portland Police garage where he worked until he retired after many years. He was also a teacher at Mt Hood Community college. He taught women’s automotive and specialized in heating/air conditioning, and transmissions.
Dillard with his mother Bessie, 2 brothers Dewey, Gene and sister Neva moved out west from Missouri in the late 40’s after the war to Yakima Washington. A couple years later they visited a family friend who lived in Rainier, Oregon they saw that there was lots of opportunity for the boys working at the mills and decided to move there.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing pool, and after retirement became a snowbird spending his winters in Yuma AZ and summers living at Pine Hollow, OR. His main passion was having fun whether it be four wheeling in the dessert, traveling in his RV, or just having a cold beer with friends or family members. He would go with his lady friend Joanne to Applebee’s to have lunch and the occasional greyhound, a cocktail made with grapefruit juice. They all knew him well. He moved back to Portland nearly three years ago to be close with his family and live out his days. His laughter and fun nature will be missed by many who knew him
He is survived by his granddaughter Dee Wright, who he raised as a daughter, and granddaughter Rusty Koenig.
He is also survived by his great-grandsons Tommy, Timmy, Ted and Tyler, great-great grandchildren, step children, step grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews
A memorial service with military honors will be held at Willamette National Cemetery on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at 11:30am.
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