James Marshall Dillard

September 23, 1940 - November 25, 2019

James Marshall Dillard, 79 of Henderson County, NC passed away on November 25^th after a brief illness in Pardee Memorial Hospital. He was born on September 23, 1940 in Jackson County, NC. He was the son of the late James Thomas Dillard and Mattie Hurst Dillard. He was also preceded in death by one sister Margie and two brothers Glenn and Rufus.

He was a kind and gentle man and would do anything to help anyone. He was a veteran of the US Coast Guard. He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include one sister Clara Knowlan; two daughters Sandra Ward and her husband Timothy, Jennifer Gillam and her husband Keith; five grandchildren TJ Ward and his wife Megan, Melinda Moffitt, Kimberlye “Pizza Girl” Ward and her fiancé Jessie Lee Moniz, Landon Moffitt, and Rebecca Ward and her fiancé Tyler Bonner; six great-grandchildren Samantha, Lainey, Sage, June Sylvia, and Jakx; and many, many close friends.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project in his name. Rebecca Ward has a fundraiser on Facebook (TylerBecca).

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Alice Garrard posted on 12/7/19

I was fortunate to meet Marshall soon after I moved to the Hendersonville area in 2011 and found him so welcoming, warm, and kind. It was always a blessing to cross paths with him. He loved his kids and grandkids. Godspeed, dear friend.

Sheri Deitz posted on 12/6/19

Our family is so sad to hear of the passing of Marshall. He and his mom and dad were very special to us as we were neighbors growing up. He was always such a kind man and will never be forgotten by any of us. My family and I will forever remember Marshall showing up in Sylva at my mom’s 80th surprise birthday party! One of the greatest surprises that day was that he came through a pouring snow to be a part of her special day! Marshall will always be a part of what made our childhood! We would like to know when arrangement are made. Love and prayers to all of your family. Katie, Boyce, Randy, Sheri, Donna and Tim Deitz

Nancy Franklin Bates posted on 12/5/19

Marshall was a classmate in high school and I enjoyed seeing him at class reunions. As his obituary stated he was a quiet, gentle man. Thinking of his family at this difficult time.

Margaret Clark posted on 12/3/19

Marshall was so kind to everyone and was a helping hand to anyone in need. Have many fond memories of our school days together. He will be missed.

Melvin Prince posted on 12/2/19

I have many fond memories of James some I can tell you about and some would better be left unsaid. I met James aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Spencer W-36 in 1958 or 1959. It was not long before James became Matt anybody remember Gunsmoke. He will always be Matt to me. We served aboard the Spencer until James discharged from the Coast Guard. On September 9th 1961 Barbara and I were married James was my best man. ON September 9th 2011 I answered a knock on the door in Texas and there stood my best man MATT. Barbara and I were blown away how could you have a better memory than that. To top that off My son James got to meet name sake again. In closing I hope everyone is lucky enough to have a friend like James. We will be for ever Shipmates Fair winds and Smooth Seas my friend. SEMPER PARTUS. To James Family and Friends my family are sorry for your loss and may God be with you all

Maurice Moody posted on 12/2/19

Marshall and I attended school together and were friends in our youth. I enjoyed visiting with him at our reunions. He will be missed.

Patsy Ward Karkosky posted on 12/2/19

Marshall was a fine man. Our senior class of 1958 was so happy when he made it to our class functions and reunions..We will miss him. Thanks for letting us know...My prayers are with the family

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