Allie Wayne Dillard

He was born on November 20, 1941, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Wayne lived a full and meaningful life marked by dedication to his family, service to his country and a long fulfilling career.

Wayne graduated from Millbrook High School in 1959. He worked for NC State University in Crop Sciences before serving in the United States Army from 1962 – 1966. After serving his country, he returned to NC State University where he worked for Federal Services for 29 years. Upon his retirement from Federal Services in 1997, he returned to NC State and continued to work with Marty Carson, Major Goodman and Charlie Stuber until he fully retired in October 2022. Not many people can say they truly loved their career, but Wayne did.

Outside of work, Wayne loved spending time with his family and friends, relationships he dearly cherished. He enjoyed travelling, spending time at the coast, playing golf and of course watching his NC State Wolfpack! Wayne also coached baseball at West Raleigh Exchange Club for years where he enjoyed teaching youth the fundamentals and fun of the game. He was an active member of Westover United Methodist Church for many years during which he assisted with the yearly fish fry and fair booth. Wayne looked forward to his annual tradition of cooking hams with close friends each Christmas and then shared them with others to enjoy. He truly loved music and playing the piano and guitar. More recently, he became a member of Wake Forest United Methodist Church where he enjoyed attending when he could. His love for God and his willing and compassionate heart shown bright to all that he met.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Allie Vance and Selira Ray Dillard; his wife, Jeannie Canaday Dillard; daughter, Donna Merritt Poole; sister, Carolyn Selira Dillard; brother, Reggie Dillard; and sister-in-law, Judy Dillard.

He is survived by wife, Jean Ayscue Nipper; daughter, Dawn Merritt of Raleigh, NC; son-in-law, James Daniel Poole “Danny” of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren, Danielle Joyner (Courtney) of Angier, NC, James Davis Poole (Rebecca) of Apex, NC, and Deena Scott (Derek) of Chesapeake, VA; great grandchildren, Landyn Joyner, Dylan Poole, Avery Scott, Caison Joyner, Levi Poole, Wyatt Scott, and Savannah Poole; step children, Steven Nipper (Michelle) of Youngsville, NC and Michael Nipper of Seattle, WA; 6 step-grandchildren and 2 step-great grandchildren; as well as several nephews and nieces.

Funeral services will be held at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 2:00 pm with visitation being held immediately before at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow after the service across the street at Raleigh Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in memory of Wayne Dillard.

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