John Marshall Dillard

I'm researching John Marshall Dillard's ancestry Joel Foster and read with interest his book on Foster (a copy of which is held by the Spartanburg public library). If anyone in Dillard's family is interesting in continuing his work, I'd be delighted to share the information I've been able to collect.

John was our corporate and personal attorney for over 50 years. We have fond remembrances of non professional times with he and Peggy.. We will miss him very much.

I just learned of Mr. Dillard's departure from this life today from his grandson. I last saw him on December 4 at his home. May his memory be eternal and may his family find consolation in the resurrection of Christ to which John was joined in his Baptism!

Dear Margaret, Leslie, John M. Jr,, Mary and family, I am so so sorry for the loss of John M Dillard Sr., my cousin, loving husband to Peg, and certainly a man who knew himself and displayed consistent integrity. He has given the world and, specifically the Dillard Family Association, so much energy, intelligence, humor, and dedicated concern. From the moment I met John at a Dillard reunion, I felt drawn in to a special group. John emulated purpose, structure in planning, and always added an element of enjoyment for the Dillard Family Reunions. He introduced me to 3 other cousins; Ed and Malcolm Dillard, and Myron, which led to creating a plan allowing me to repair the Conley-Penland Cemetery and my own Gt. Grandfather's grave down Tessentee Road. We always shared articulate conversations with humor and wit along with whatever plans we were working on. His eyes shone with a special spark of life that was inspiring and dynamic. I think we just hit it off as soulmates with a common purpose--ancestry, solid research, love of family. He adored his lovely wife Peg and spoke about how beautiful she was when they met. Totally devoted to his children, I wrote down things he shared with me, beyond ancestral heritage. I've saved pictures of him and his family that Margaret has posted. We'd speak by phone when the occasion called for touching base. Email became an increasing strain on his eyes. Our phone catch-ups became shorter. He would openly tell me about his aging and health. How like him to have had his pipe that afternoon and to look out at his beautiful property. My only regret is that I was unable to step up to be President of the Dillard Group when he asked me to because of an injury I had encountered. John and his family will always be special to me. I unabashedly cared about him as one of the most dignified and also earth-bound men I have ever met. With utmost sincerity, Ron and I express our condolences to the entire family for your loss. Most Sincerely, Kathryn (Kathy) Madden and Ron Madden

I feel fortunate to have been related to John. We will all miss him. John had so many good qualities. He had an outstanding family and I am sending my sympathy to them.

I always admired John. He was outstanding and smart. He also did so much for the Dillard Family Association. John will be greatly missed. Sympathy to John’s family.

John was a classmate of my mother and father at Greenville High. I knew him as a giant in real estate law here in Greenville. He was a great friend and very helpful to me for years as a young lawyer. I could always count on his honest and professional advice. And I will miss his sharp wit and ready smile. My deepest sympathies to all of his family.

Mary Foster and family, so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Sending sympathy to all of you at this time.

I want to let the Dillard family know that I will be praying for each one of you during this difficult time. Spending time at your home was great fun and I will never forget those wonderful times. Sincerely, Emily

Margaret and family, our deepest condolences on the death of your beloved father. Please know that while we can’t be with you in person, we are thinking of you and praying for you.

John and I are distant cousins who first met at Dillard reunions in Dillard, GA. John and Peggy visited my wife Frances in Keowee Key, SC; we visited them in Traverler's Rest, and established a relation closer than distant cousins. John will be missed by all his friends and relatives. Myron Allen

John was an outstanding lawyer and man of principle. He always was respectful of me, as one of the first ‘girl’ lawyers. He was casual yet formal. Quiet but gregarious. I was wondering about him just recently. Sending sympathy to his family and all who loved him. I’m glad we crossed paths, for sure. RIP, Sir. You made a difference.

Oh my, what a great loss. We were neighborhood friends from my fourth grade on, and built houses in the soil with another friend. I always thought he would become an architect, but instead he became a highly effective and respected attorney. He was a valuable legal authority for our family many times. I am so saddened by this loss. He was a leader in the community. I will miss him. We shared a loss during World War II in that he lost a brother and I a cousin--both pilots. John, you lived vividly in life and served society well. You have justly earned eternal rest.

In memory of John Marshall Dillard, Margaret Thomas lit a candle

To the family of Mr. Dillard, I was truly sorry to learn of his passing. I was a paralegal who worked with and for your dad for many years and I have to say I truly loved him. He was so professional and I will miss him and your sweet mother. I found out after some years that my mother Mrs. Helen Kinion and your mother were long time time friends and I met Margaret at your mother’s funeral. I will cherish all the memories of both of your parents and all the fun your mother, mom and I had going to all the society group meetings we were members of. Your mom rode with us to many of those. You will be always be in my heart. What a privilege to know such wonderful folks. God bless you all. MargaretThomas

To all of John M. Dillard Sr.'s family, Ron and I offer our most sincere condolences for the loss of your father, grandfather and a most dignified but earth-bound and faithful servant. God bless him through eternity. Sincerely, Ron & Kathryn Madden

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.