"You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly…The meadows are covered with flocks, and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing." Psalms 65:19

Clyde Donald "Donnie" Dillard, Jr., age 82, of Mount Zion, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at his home. Born on May 2, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia, he was the son of the late Clyde Donald Dillard, Sr. and Marion Elizabeth Crawford Dillard.

A man of faith, integrity, and purpose, Donnie was a lifelong member of Mount Zion United Methodist Church. Throughout his life, he was known for his strong work ethic, love of aviation, dedication to agriculture, and deep devotion to his family and the Mount Zion community.

Donnie graduated from the University of West Georgia in 1969 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Administration and Economics. He continued his education at Georgia State University in Atlanta and Southern Technical Institute in Marietta, preparing for a career that would span nearly five decades.

Following graduation, he founded Dillard Construction Company, an underground utility contracting business that became widely respected throughout Georgia. Over the course of 49 years, Donnie earned the admiration of colleagues, employees, and clients alike for his leadership, exceptional craftsmanship, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Away from work, Donnie found his greatest enjoyment in the cattle business. He proudly served as President of the Carroll County Cattlemen's Association and as a director of the Georgia Hereford Association. He treasured the friendships he made through agriculture and found peace working the land. He believed there was dignity in honest work and had a deep appreciation for God's creation, finding joy in the soil, the pastures, and the cattle he cared for.

Donnie was also a licensed private pilot, carrying on a lifelong love of aviation inspired by his father, Clyde Donald Dillard, Sr., a corporate pilot, United States Army Air Forces veteran, and member of the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. Flying was one of his greatest passions and reflected his adventurous spirit and appreciation for the freedom of the open sky. He and his friends would often take "Road trips" to support and cheer on the University of West Georgia Wolves football team.

Although his career took him throughout Georgia, Mount Zion always remained the place he proudly called home. Among his proudest accomplishments was building the community's first ball field, a gift to the children and families of Mount Zion that continues to serve the community today. Through Dillard Construction Company, he also installed the town's first municipal water lines and helped construct the sidewalks along Highway 16. His vision, generosity, and commitment to his hometown left a lasting mark that will benefit generations to come.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved son, Donald Wade Dillard; a sister Joyce Elizabeth Payton and his grandparents, Harry and Velma Crawford of Mount Zion.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted companion and caregiver, Liz Hogle; his loving daughter, Cindy Dillard Wilson; his cherished grandchildren, Mitch Dillard, Halee Dillard, Hunter & Abby Wilson, Case Wilson, and Luke Wilson; his beloved great-granddaughter, Charley Wilson; the Mother of his children, Anita Dillard and many cousins, nieces, nephews, lifelong friends, neighbors, and fellow cattlemen who were blessed to know him.

A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel.

A funeral service celebrating Donnie's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, with the Reverend Dr. Terry E. Walton officiating. Interment will immediately follow in the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Mitch Dillard, Hunter Wilson, Case Wilson, Luke Wilson, Owen Gordon, and Lucas Brock.

The family extends their sincere appreciation to the compassionate staff of Tanner Hospice, Northwest Oncology, and the Tanner Infusion Center for the exceptional care and kindness shown to Donnie throughout his illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Donnie's memory to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church at: https://www.mountzionumc.org/give .

Martin & Hightower Funeral Home is honored to serve the Dillard family during this difficult time. Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at martin-hightower.com.