Leon Nathaniel Dillard

Leon Nathaniel Dillard was born in Freeman, Virginia on November 20, 1949, as the second youngest child of 7 for James Rufus and Marie Ellen Dillard. On March 26, 2025, Leon peacefully slipped away as he succumbed to a long battle with cancer. A true farm boy, Leon enjoyed his solitude, time and space for reflection. However, as a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend Leon was always ready to listen and engage you in conversation; always while looking for the learning lesson. He had an appreciation for the arts, specifically blues and jazz music; enjoyed looking at and identifying antique cars and spending time with his Bull, Sam. After checking on his livestock or tinkering with his car, you could often find Leon somewhere napping in the sun, reading a good book, listening to music or letting the informative biography on television watch him. Leon attended Brunswick County Public Schools. He was valedictorian of his class and proudly served as class President at James Solomon Russell High School in Lawrenceville, Virginia; throughout his life. Leon continued his education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) from 1968-1971 where he was initiated as a member of the Groove Phi Groove fraternity in 1969. In 1972, Leon began his 30 year career with the United States Postal Service (USPS). Leon retired in 2002 as a Program Manager and would continue to consult for USPS until 2009. Upon his final and full retirement, Leon would become fully present and engaged with supporting the goals of his children and grandchildren. Leon continues to be celebrated and remembered by his former spouse Jean Dillard, son Brian Dillard, daughter Noel Dillard, daughter-in-law Jennifer Dillard, three grandchildren: Jayden Dillard, Kaylee Dillard and Justin Dillard; Siblings: Robert Cleo Dillard, Thomas Lee Dillard (Brenda), Marvin Clinton Dillard (Robin), Marion Verniece Spraggins (Maurice) and sister-in-law Audrey Taylor Dillard as well as a countless number of nieces and nephews. He will be reunited with those that preceded him in death, which include: his parents James and Marie Dillard, his two older brothers James Anderson Dillard and Wharton Hawthorne Dillard (Indie Mae Jones Dillard), and sister-in-law Lucy Pearl Wyche Dillard as well as his niece Marion Zelvina Dillard Simon and nephew Ronald Lenell Dillard. Please join us in celebrating the life of Leon Dillard: Miller's Funeral Home (3200 Golansky Boulevard, Woodbridge, Virginia 22192) A viewing period will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025 from 9am-11am Celebration of Life service will begin at 11am Repast at 12pm: Woodbridge Elks Lodge, 14602 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, Virginia 22193 Leon will be transported home to his family land where he will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 1pm Repast to follow: Pleasant Grove Church of Christ: 378 Big Horn Road Emporia, Virginia 23847 In rememberance of Leon's life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to James Solomon Russell/Saint Paul's College Museum and Archives: jsrussell.org or mailing address: P.O. Box 551 Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868

Tributes

Leon Nathaniel Dillard

March 26, 2025