Earl Dillard, 78, of Franklin passed away Saturday, August 17, 2019.

Born in Jackson County, he was the son of the late Charlie Dillard and Nellie Franks Dillard. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Bobby Dillard, David Dillard, and Johnny Dillard. Earl was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church and enjoyed yard work, bluegrass festivals, ginseng hunting, fishing, and gardening.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley Johnson Dillard; daughter, Kathy Holland (Darrin) of Franklin; sister, Annie Estes of Sylva; brother, Eugene Dillard (Mary) of Sylva; and eight nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held at 3 pm, Tuesday, August 20 in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Eddie Stillwell and Rev. David Lee Williams will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Monday, August 19 at Macon Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Bobby Watson, Kevin Dillard, Marty Southard, Bobby Mashburn, Gary Scott, and Jeff Amos.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Ron Pressley, Bob Bowes and Richard Young.

Condolences can be made to the family at www.maconfuneralhome.com