John Dills

May 11, 1924 - February 25, 2008
John Dills

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John Clifford Dills, 83, of Hendersonville, NC, died Monday, February 25, 2008 at Pardee Memorial Hospital.

He was born and lived most of his life in Henderson County, the son of the late John Elmer Dills and Beva Manilla Painter Dills. He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Nancy G. Bartz; Sarah Alice Powell; and Mary Jewel Morgan; and one nephew, Donald E. Powell.

He was a World War II veteran, having served as a Pharmacist Mate in the US Navy. He was employed by the Augusta Chronicle, the Asheville Citizen-Times and the Hendersonville Times-News. He received a certificate in Dactylogy from Midwestern Baptist College in Pontiac, MI, for study of sign language. A member of Calvary Baptist Church, he worked with Sunny Hudson in the ministry for the deaf at Calvary for a number of years. He was also active in his community as a Major with the Civil Air Patrol, a charter member of the Hendersonville Community Band, and a member of the Hendersonville Little Theatre.

He is survived by his loving family, his brother-in-law, Glenn Morgan of Saluda; his cousin and “adopted sister,” Elsie Painter Fore of Weaverville; a nephew, Bob Morgan of Concord; three nieces, Glenda Hodnett of Alma, GA; Laura Powell of Garner; and Joyce McAbee of Winterville, GA; five great-nephews; five great-nieces; and sixteen great-great-nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 1 PM Thursday, February 28, 2008 at Calvary Baptist Church. The Reverends Joe Canipe and Buddy Mullinax will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery with military honors conducted by Hubert M. Smith American Legion Post 77, Hedrick-Rhodes Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5206, and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 14. The family will receive friends from 7 – 8:30 PM Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at Shuler Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Civil Air Patrol, 21 Aviation Way, Fletcher, NC 28732.


Service

Thursday, February 28, 2008
12:00 AM

Calvary Baptist Church - Directions
2501 Haywood Road
Hendersonville, NC 28791

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  • February 29, 2008
    Bob Whitmire says:
    I went to work at the Times-News in the summer of 1978. The first piece of copy I wrote for publication was shredded by John, the city editor, who then proceeded over the next couple of years to teach me to write. We rarely agreed on anything, and had a wonderful time disagreeing. His passing saddens me because there's one less authentic character in the world. Adios, John. Go with God.

  • February 28, 2008
    Alton Connor Jr. says:
    With my sympathy to the family of John Dills. He was a good friend to my Father. As a matter of fact, the last time I saw Mr. Dills was 5 years ago this week at my father's visitation. May God bless, comfort and strengthen each of you in the days ahead. Alton Connor Jr.

  • February 28, 2008
    Kay Crozer says:
    My prayers are with you Kay Crozer

  • February 27, 2008
    Lynn Hart Staggs says:
    John was funny he had a different sense of humor but I did appreciate it. He was always gentle and kind with me as a child. He will be missed as will his laughter.

  • February 27, 2008
    DEIDRE PAINTER CULBERTSON says:
    My Daddy (Thomas Painter) and Family have you all in our thougths and prayers. Love Deidre Painter Culbertson Easley, South Carolina