NeaL Edwin Dillard Sr

February 27, 1950 - November 19, 2019

Neal Edwin Dillard Sr was born in Stilwell, Oklahoma on February 27, 1950, the first son, and 6th child of 8 to Ellis and Lois Dillard. He grew up in “East Peavine” Adair County and enjoyed typical country kid activities but was best at plotting and carrying our various torments against his 6 sisters and one baby brother. Neal’s fondness for hunting and horses was established early on-it was a love that continued thru his life and passed on to his family for generations. Neal graduated from Stilwell High School and then Okmulgee Vo-Tech in 1970 with an associates degree in Auto Mechanics. He proved to be a master mechanic, and the go to person for Ford diesels in Cherokee County for the rest of his life. If you had a problem with your Ford, Neal could fix it. In 1975 Neal met a “cute blonde” from Welling, Oklahoma and he and Billie Kay Clay were wed on December 23, 1977. Neal surrendered to the call of God and began preaching the gospel in 1988. He served as pastor of Drycreek Baptist and later Etta Baptist in the Welling Community. Neal was known far and wide as an evangelist and had a music ministry with wife Billie and daughter Deanna. Too many weekends to count were spent singing and preaching all over Eastern Oklahoma and Western Arkansas. Neal proved adept at any work or hobby he undertook and his proficiency as a mechanic, passion for coon hunting, team roping skills and uncanny ability to engage in “trading” made him a man highly sought after for these skills and many, many others. Neal gave freely of his time, and many a kid, nephew, niece, friend and stranger was the recipient of Neal’s teaching and instruction. With the birth of his first grandchild in 2002 he became a “Papa” a role he treasured. Papa Neal taught and encouraged and flat out spoiled every grandchild he had. The last years of his life were spent passing his wisdom with horses on to his grandkids, and Papa was the loudest cheerleader and most avid bragger at the junior rodeos all spring and summer. He was so proud to know his legacy has continued. Neal was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Reba Anderson; one niece, Lynette Monks; and one nephew, Wesley Anderson. Those left to treasure his memory include his wife, Billie of the home; daughter, Charlotte Dillard of Stilwell, Oklahoma; son, Neal Dillard II and wife Lindsey of Tahlequah, Oklahoma and daughter Deanna and husband Roy Lowrey of Welling, Oklahoma. Papa Neal is forever treasured in the hearts of his grandchildren, Marissa, Scott, Alexandra, Shawn. Rhea, Michael, Aubrie, and Bryley Dillard, Emma Grace (baby doll) and Gavin (G-man) Dillard, and William, Nathan and Chase (Pork chop) Lowrey. He is loved by his five sisters Lola Fleig, Norma Dillard, Avonne Monks and husband Frank, Sammy Tidwell, Bonnie Jones and husband Steve; and one brother, Lynn Dillard; as well as many other family members, friends, and loved ones; and one very special, long time, and faithful roping horse “Money”. A special thank you is extended to Leesia Kirk, Keith and Stephanie Kirk, Kurtis Kirk and Kevin Kirk for their presence and support during Neal’s hospitalization. We also want to extend a thank you to the staff of Carter Hospice in Tahlequah for ensuring Neal’s journey to Heaven was peaceful and with dignity.