Mr. Lawrence "Larry" Graham Dillon

Judge Lawrence Graham (Larry) Dillon, 77, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, February 5, 2012, at his home surrounded by his loving family. A native Savannahian of Irish descent, he was born November 5, 1934, to the late Detective Sgt. James J. "Scopie" Dillon and Mary Graham Dillon. He was also preceded in death by a brother, James J. Dillon, Jr. and sisters, Helen D. Dillon and Carmel D. Revolis. He attended Benedictine Military School and Armstrong State College. Following his attendance at Armstrong he enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard the USS O'Hara DDR-889 during the Korean War. After his military service, he graduated from John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, Georgia, where he received his LLB Degree. After many years of private practice he was appointed to a judgeship in the Recorder's Court of Chatham County in 1988. He was elected the Court's Chief Judge in 2001, where he served until his passing. Judge Dillon had a larger than life personality combined with a deep humility and genuine compassion for people. He had a biting sense of humor, which often emerged while sharing his unique view of the world during Saturday morning rounds with friends at the Bacon Park Golf Course and regular gatherings with a close group that became known as the "Lunch Bunch". He was known as a Judge for and of the People - one that showed compassion, integrity, in fair and just decisions. Judge Dillon was a communicant of St. James Catholic Church. He was a former member of Blessed Sacrament Church where he served as a Lector. He was Past Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 439, a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Lion's Club, St. Patrick Day Parade Committee, American Legion Post 184, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, State Bar of Georgia, American Bar Association, Savannah Bar Association, Past President of the Shriner's Greater's Unit, Judicial Society of America, French Society and Board of Directors for the Association of the Blind. He was also the first recipient of the "Thomas More" award presented by the Caholic Church for dedication to judicial integrity. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Gloria Bland Dillon, whom he lovingly referred to as "Baby Doll", daughters Glenda Eloge (Skip) and Gloria Sasser, granddaughter Lisa Pass (Rusty), great-grandson, Logan Pass, and several nieces and nephews. His final months were especially enhanced by the ever present company of his devoted wife, his twin daughters, his son-in-law, Skip, his "adopted" daughter, Karen Owens, and "adopted" sons, Danny Powers and Steve Haysman. Sundays were devoted to family gatherings which included his favorite food and stories about the past. His humor would surprise and delight us. His smile filled us with joy. Not one negative phrase or complaint ever escaped his lips. His family wishes to express their deep appreciation for the many expressions of love, concern and kindness shown to them during these difficult days. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 8th, from 5-7 p.m., at St. James Catholic Church, 8412 Whitefield Avenue. A Rosary will be said at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, February. 9th at St. James Catholic Church at 12:00 pm with Father Mark Ross officiating. Burial will be private. Memorial Contributions can be made to St. James Catholic Church, 8412 Whitfield Avenue, Savannah, Georgia, 31406.

Fairhaven Funeral Home - Hubert C. Baker Chapel, 7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, Georgia 31406, is in charge of arrangements.