Arnold “Ray” Dills, 78, of Franklin, passed away Friday, July 3, 2009.

Born in Swain County, he was the son of the late Harve Hills and Addie McClure Dills. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Billy Dills who died in 2005, a daughter, Marilyn Dills who died in 2003 and a grandson, Nathan Dills. Ray was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. He was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Eugenia Wilkes Dills; six children, Freddie Dills, Ronnie Dills and Kathy Dukes all of Franklin, Larry Dills of Indiana, Ricky Dills of Lawrenceville, GA and Debbie Brown of Dallas, NC; eleven grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, July 6, in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Andy Cloer will officiate. Burial will be in the Wilkes Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, July 5, at Macon Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Dills, Denny Dills, Matthew Dills, Daniel Dills, Joe Dills and Charlie Sherrill.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com

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