Neal Edwin Dillard Sr
February 27, 1950 - November 19, 2019
Neal Edwin Dillard Sr was born in Stilwell, Oklahoma on February 27,
1950, the first son, and 6th child of 8 to Ellis and Lois Dillard. He
grew up in “East Peavine” Adair County and enjoyed typical country kid
activities but was best at plotting and carrying our various torments
against his 6 sisters and one baby brother.
Neal’s fondness
for hunting and horses was established early on-it was a love that
continued thru his life and passed on to his family for generations.
Neal graduated from Stilwell High School and then Okmulgee Vo-Tech in
1970 with an associates degree in Auto Mechanics. He proved to be a
master mechanic, and the go to person for Ford diesels in Cherokee
County for the rest of his life. If you had a problem with your Ford,
Neal could fix it.
In 1975 Neal met a “cute blonde” from
Welling, Oklahoma and he and Billie Kay Clay were wed on December 23,
1977. Neal surrendered to the call of God and began preaching the gospel
in 1988. He served as pastor of Drycreek Baptist and later Etta Baptist
in the Welling Community. Neal was known far and wide as an evangelist
and had a music ministry with wife Billie and daughter Deanna. Too many
weekends to count were spent singing and preaching all over Eastern
Oklahoma and Western Arkansas.
Neal proved adept at any work
or hobby he undertook and his proficiency as a mechanic, passion for
coon hunting, team roping skills and uncanny ability to engage in
“trading” made him a man highly sought after for these skills and many,
many others.
Neal gave freely of his time, and many a kid,
nephew, niece, friend and stranger was the recipient of Neal’s teaching
and instruction.
With the birth of his first grandchild in
2002 he became a “Papa” a role he treasured. Papa Neal taught and
encouraged and flat out spoiled every grandchild he had. The last years
of his life were spent passing his wisdom with horses on to his
grandkids, and Papa was the loudest cheerleader and most avid bragger at
the junior rodeos all spring and summer. He was so proud to know his
legacy has continued.
Neal was preceded in death by his
parents; one sister, Reba Anderson; one niece, Lynette Monks; and one
nephew, Wesley Anderson.
Those left to treasure his memory
include his wife, Billie of the home; daughter, Charlotte Dillard of
Stilwell, Oklahoma; son, Neal Dillard II and wife Lindsey of Tahlequah,
Oklahoma and daughter Deanna and husband Roy Lowrey of Welling,
Oklahoma.
Papa Neal is forever treasured in the hearts of his
grandchildren, Marissa, Scott, Alexandra, Shawn. Rhea, Michael, Aubrie,
and Bryley Dillard, Emma Grace (baby doll) and Gavin (G-man) Dillard,
and William, Nathan and Chase (Pork chop) Lowrey.
He is loved by
his five sisters Lola Fleig, Norma Dillard, Avonne Monks and husband
Frank, Sammy Tidwell, Bonnie Jones and husband Steve; and one brother,
Lynn Dillard; as well as many other family members, friends, and loved
ones; and one very special, long time, and faithful roping horse
“Money”.
A special thank you is extended to Leesia Kirk, Keith
and Stephanie Kirk, Kurtis Kirk and Kevin Kirk for their presence and
support during Neal’s hospitalization. We also want to extend a thank
you to the staff of Carter Hospice in Tahlequah for ensuring Neal’s
journey to Heaven was peaceful and with dignity.
Formal Visitation
NOV 21.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(CST)
Green Country Funeral Home
203 S. Commercial Rd. PO Box 2048
Tahlequah, OK, 74465
Funeral Service
NOV 22.
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
(CST)
Green Country Funeral Home Chapel
203 S. Ron Rice Avenue
Tahlequah, OK
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