Whether you knew him as Michael, Daddy, Papa, Mike, Big Mike, or Mookie (the special name given to him by his grandmother) everyone knew that being around Michael Dillard meant some deep, serious-minded conversations at times, but much fun and joy all the time. On Tuesday, January 8, 2024, God peacefully came to the home of Michael Jerome Dillard and whispered to him that his work down here was done, and it was now time for this beloved husband, father, grandfather, hardworking provider and church worker to join Him, his deceased family members and other loved ones that day in Heaven.
Born on September 18, 1960, in Albemarle County, Virginia, Mike was one of the four children born to Charles and Charlotte Collins Dillard. He was educated in the Albemarle County Public Schools attending Stone Robinson Elementary School, Jack Jouet Junior High School, and Albemarle High School, graduating in 1979. Following graduation from high school, Mike was employed for several years with Salem M. Eways Oriental Rug Company. While employed at the University of Virginia (UVA) and attending Piedmont Virginia Community College, he received an apprenticeship certificate of completion as a HVAC mechanic. In addition to UVA, he was employed at Jonathan Virginia, Liberty Fabrics and Zamma Corporation where he was a machinist making specialty crown moldings.
On September 18, 1999, the same day he celebrated his 39th birthday, Michael married the love of his life, Carolyn Elizabeth Mitchell in Keswick, Virginia at her parent’s home known as Ken-Bern. From this marriage two children were born, Alexandra (Ally) Colette and Kenneth Charles (KC) Dillard. Michael and his daughter Alexandra accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and were baptized at Zion Hill by Rev Joseph Watkins on December 3, 2006. Since that time he has been involved with many church activities, a regular worship attendee and has served in both the Emergency and Trustee Ministries.
During his sixty-three years, Mike lived life to the fullest. In his youth he played baseball for the Charlottesville Jaycee League, and shared his love of baseball with his son KC and he coached several Little League teams where his son was a player, T-ball, Kid Pitch and Coach Pitch. He was an excellent cook and grill master. He was recognized as the “Unofficial Top Salesperson of Girl Scout Cookies” for local Girl Scout Troop 3080. Everyone enjoyed his playful nature and joking. Often, he would remind his associates not to mess up his hair as he wiped his hand across his bald head. He loved all UVA sports with football and basketball being his favorites. Mike was an active member of Charlottesville’s “King of Klubs.” He enjoyed attending social events especially when music was featured. He was a master at dancing and showboating on the dance floor. While not a formal club, on many evenings and any weekend, seated at his “executive headquarters” (his backyard picnic table) you could find him with friends enjoying talks and swaying to the soulful sounds from the 70’s and 80’s.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents; grandchild Drue Alexander Marcus Campbell; sister, Margie Dillard Timberlake and brother-in-law Roderick Timberlake; and brother Glenn Collins.
He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife Carolyn, daughter Alexandra, son Kenneth, and grandson Kori Matthew Michael Campbell; brother Charles (Sandy) Dillard and wife Annette; uncle Howard Lee Moore; aunts: Jean Barbour, Ellen & Mary Grady, Joyce, Diane, Joetta Rose, and Brenda Nixon; nephews: Glen Collins, Jr., Marcus Dillard, Roderick Timberlake, Jr. and Ryan Thompson; nieces: Tyesha, LaChandra, & Sherrie Timberlake, Tamari Dillard, & Kimberly Hall; brother-in-law Trustee Cecil and sister-in-law Deaconess Colette Thompson; great nephews and nieces, many friends and loved ones to carry on his memory.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 18, 2024, 5:00 – 6:30 PM in The Sun Chapel at DD Watson Mortician, Inc, 117 West Street, Louisa VA. The Celebration of Life Service will be Friday, January 19, 2024, at Zion Hill Baptist Church, 802 Zion Hill Road, Keswick, VA 22947 with Visitation at 11:00 AM and the Celebration Service at 12 Noon. Interment at Zion Hill with Rev. Kelvin R. Hawkins, Pastor of St. John Baptist Church, Cobham officiating.
Topic: Mike Dillard's Celebration of Life
Time: Jan 19, 2024 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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