Donald "Don" R. Dillard

Donald "Don" R. Dillard, age 73, of Swartz Creek, passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date to celebrate Don. His family asks that you continue to keep them in your thoughts during this difficult time. Online condolences can be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

 

Don was born on February 9, 1950, in Flint to the late Clyde & Bertha Dillard. He graduated in 1968 from Southwestern High School and continued his education at the University of Michigan where he earned his bachelor's degree. He was employed with the City of Flint at Third Avenue Pumping Station for 22 1/2 years before retiring in 1996. Don married his junior high sweetheart, Alberta Brooks on June 20, 1970, and together they were blessed with three children and several adored and spoiled pets.

 

Don enjoyed listening to country and western music, he even played the guitar and wrote many of his own songs. You often would find him listening to the Detroit Tigers on the radio or watching the Detroit Lions or Michigan Wolverines.  He took part in both the Swartz Creek Center Stage and Star Theatre - located at the Whiting Auditorium. In his younger years, he bowled on several men's leagues and couple's leagues with his wife. In earlier years, Don would enjoy fishing, riding his motorcycle, and loved camping with his wife, dog (Socrates) and cat (Athena). Recently, Don and Alberta traveled to casinos and spent 6 winters in Avon Park until COVID happened.

 

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Alberta; his three children, Benjamin Dillard, Amber Dillard, and Crystal Dillard; a stepson, Avia Deal; brother, Robert (Beverly) Dillard, and sisters-in-law, Isla Jo Bolden, Elaine Dillard, and Janie Dillard. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other dear family members, friends and furry grand-pets.  

 

In addition to his parents, Clyde & Bertha, Donald was preceded in death by, brothers, James Dillard and Jack Dillard; nephews, Ryan Dillard, Ray "Fuzz" Hendershott, and Michael Brooks; niece, Colbie Lattie; in-laws, Albert (Helen) Brooks; sisters-in-law, Erma Hubbel, Rhea (Ray) Hendershott, and Patsy Lattie and brother-in-law, Pete "Ernest" Brooks.