Jerry Lee Dillon

Jerry Lee Dillon, 72, passed away on September 6, 2026. Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Jerry was the youngest son of Charles and Estelle Dillon, and he never strayed too far from home. He graduated from Parkland High School in 1972 and served his country in the United States Navy. When he came home, he met and married Carol, and together they raised two daughters, Tracey and Pamela, who he adored.

Jerry spent his working years at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company before retiring. Retirement took him to the beach for a while, but home won out in the end, and he came back to the same neighborhood that had shaped and supported him most of his 72 years.

Anybody who knew Jerry knew who he pulled for. He was loud and proud about his North Carolina Tar Heels — a love he shared first with his late older brother, Larry, and later with Larry's son, Will. Cheering for Carolina was part of the bond between those brothers, and Jerry carried it the rest of his life. He never once missed a chance to remind his daughter's boyfriend, Lonnie, exactly how many national championships Carolina had won — and how many Maryland hadn't.

Jerry looked forward to trips to visit his extended family in Alabama and Georgia spending quality time with his brother Larry’s family Merrill, Ragan, Brad, Will, Libba and their children, Wells and Graves. It was important for Jerry to keep the connection to his family who he cherished and loved deeply.

Jerry also loved the outdoors the way only a man taught by his father can. Fishing and hunting was something he enjoyed from the time he was a boy, and it made him proud to pass that same love down to his nephew, Joseph Fritts.

Jerry also had a special place in his heart for animals. Over the years, he loved and cared for many dogs, along with a few lucky cats who found their way into his life. His beloved dogs Gypsy and Buddy, both rescues, and cat Daisy were his most recent companions and were fortunate to find a home with someone who loved them dearly.

Perhaps most of all, Jerry loved his people with a quiet and steady devotion. Jerry was a loving and dedicated husband to Carol, with whom he shared 49 years of marriage. As a father to his daughters, Tracey and Pamela, Jerry made sure they always knew how proud he was of them. But Jerry's role as a father figure reached well beyond his own daughters. Among them was Leo Smith, who held a special place in Jerry's life. For Jerry, family was defined not only by blood, but by love, commitment, and showing up for the people who needed him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Estelle Dillon, and his brother, Larry Dillon. He is survived by his wife, Carol Dillon; his daughters, Tracey Dillon and Pamela Dillon; brother Terry Dillon and Geraldine; Friend Lonnie Hicks; Leo Smith; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He will be missed more than words can say. The family will hold a private ceremony at a later date.