Richard O'Dare Dillon

Richard O’Dare Dillon, 92, of Jacksonville, Florida, died on Sunday, (June 25, 2017) at Community Hospice Earl B. Hadlow Center for Caring at Jacksonville, Florida. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee and was the son of the late Corinne O’Dare Thompson Dillon and James Daniel Dillon, both of Nashville, Tennessee. Richard is survived by his third wife, Sarah Goolsby Clegg Dillon; his children, Ronald Dillon (Pat) and Michael Dillon (Patty). He is also survived by four grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his first wife, Dorothy Mae Drawdy Dillon; his second wife, Sarah Margaret Reynolds Dillon; and a half-sister. Richard’s family moved from Nashville, TN to Jacksonville, FL where he graduated from Landon High School in 1943. While in high school he worked in the San Marco Theater where he became the assistant manager. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and served as a navigator/first lieutenant in the 8th Air Force 364th Bomber Squadron during World War II, fulfilling 25 missions over Germany. In October, 1945 he received an honorable discharge. After WWII, Richard was employed by Southern Bell Telephone Company where he spent his career starting in the “Line Gang” and advanced up to middle management. He retired from Southern Bell in February 1982. The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff of Community Hospice for the loving care Richard received during his final days. Visitation will be held at Temples-Halloran Funeral Home on Wednesday June 28, 2017from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM followed by a graveside ceremony atBush River Memorial Gardens. The family requests donations be made to the Community Hospice Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Building 100, Jacksonville, FL 32257.