Dr. Philip Dillard

Dr. Philip Edward Dillard passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in Rome Georgia. Philip, born December 28, 1937, in Thomasville, Georgia, graduated from Valdosta State University where he met his future wife Carolyn Thrift in Spanish class.  Philip continued in his studies at the University of Georgia, earning his Ph.D. in English Literature in 1975. Philip taught English for over 30 years, primarily at Georgia Highlands College in Rome, Georgia. Philip is survived by Carolyn, his wife of over 62 years, their three children, David Dillard (Peggy), Joe Dillard (Becky), and Miriam Dillard (Dave Baldwin), four grandchildren, Rachel Smith (Dustin), Tom Dillard (Kirstie), Walt Dillard, David Baldwin (Grace), one great-granddaughter, Tessa Belle Budd, his brother Byron Dillard and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to teaching English, Philip taught Sunday school for decades at the Rome Church of the Nazarene. Philip played multiple musical instruments including the piano, recorder, harmonica, violin, and viola. He loved classical music, attending Shakespeare plays, and woodworking. He also enjoyed writing poems for the special occasions of family and friends. Though extraordinarily erudite, he also enjoyed simple humor, such as, "The accident occurred as we entered the town of Yield." Philip was a diehard Georgia Bulldog fan who never missed a football game. 

A funeral service will take place Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Evergreen Baptist Church in Cobbtown, Georgia. Interment will be at Evergreen Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be in the form of donations to the Dillard Award at Georgia Highlands College, using the following link:

https://www.sites.highlands.edu/alumni/give-today/

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