Minister Details - Bill Dillon

THE FOLLOWING IS FROM THE PRIMITIVE ADVOCATE, Volume 3, September - October, 1999.

By Greg Dorough (Pictured from left: Elder Bill Zack Dillon, wife Patty & son Joseph).     Elder Bill Zack Dillon was the Pastor of Bethel-Washington Primitive Baptist Church in Vienna, VA. He was born on December 23, 1947, in McComb, MS. He passed away quietly and unexpectedly in his home on August 6, 1999. He lived in his earthly body for 51 years, 7 Â½ months. Now he lives eternally with his Lord Jesus. Brother Bill grew up in Southern Mississippi — hunting, fishing, and playing basketball — and he loved it, carrying it throughout his life and frequently referring to it in his sermons. His hobby was making hunting bows, and he was a member of the Northern Virginia Archers, the Virginia Bowhunters Association, and was President of the Traditional Bowhunters of Virginia.

Though he loved to fish, he was a true fisher of men. His real passion was preaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus to the Lord's people. He carried no markers in his Bible, nor made any notes, but preached from one end of the Bible to the other as the Lord fed him and the Lord fed him bountifully. He was once invited to an Association Meeting in Mississippi, where he was the only visiting elder, and he was called to the pulpit three times on Friday, three times on Saturday, and on Sunday morning. He often spoke of that as one of his most satisfying experiences.

Brother Bill was called by God and ordained on December 20, 1980, at Pilgrims Rest Primitive Baptist Church in Meadville, MS. He preached the gospel where the Lord led him for almost 19 years. He served as pastor at Pilgrims Rest, Sideling Hill, Goose Creek, Washington, Bethel, and the combined Washington-Bethel Church. 
Brother Bill holds Bachelor's degrees in Math and Physics from Chapman College, a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University, and a Master's degree in Communications from Johns Hopkins University. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in October 1969 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant on August 25, 1979. He retired from the Air Force as a Captain on October 1, 1989, having served his Country faithfully for 20 years. He immediately joined the Central Intelligence Agency and remained there as a Project Engineer until his death, achieving the Civil Service Rank of GS-15. He served a total of 30 years with the U.S. Government and was highly decorated by the U.S. Air Force, receiving many achievement awards from the U.S. Civil Service.

Brother Bill was married to his beloved Patricia Ward Dillon on June 7, 1969. She was his helpmate and soulmate, and she traveled with him wherever the Lord led for 30 years and 2 months. He was also survived by their only son, Joseph Robert Dillon, and his wife, Tamara, of Memphis, TN; his parents, Prentiss and Ammie Dillon, of Meadville, MS; and one brother, Elder Randy Dillon, and his wife, Mary, of Section, AL.

Elder Bill Z. Dillon was laid to rest at Pilgrim's Rest Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Meadville, MS, on August 13, 1999. He will be sorely missed by family, friends, and members of the Primitive Baptist faith all over the country.


Notes from Elder Randy Dillon:

At Brother Bill's memorial service in Virginia, seventeen elders were in attendance. Elder Dwayne Fletcher read Circular letters written by Elder Bill, the Sweet Adelines, an A Capella chorus, of which Patty Dillon was a member, sang hymns. Elder Gary Utz led Amazing Grace. Elder Toliver Utz and Elder Gary Utz preached.

Elder Dillon's funeral was held at Pilgrim's Rest Church in Mississippi on August 13, 1999. Elder Wayne Myers read the obituary with a prayer by Elder Floyd Wilkinson. Elder Jerry Wilkinson made comments at the graveside. Elder Ricky Harcrow and Elder Randy Dillon preached the messages.

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard gave a 21-gun salute and presented Sister Patty Dillon with the flag that draped the casket.



Brother Bill was baptized on March 25, 1961, by Elder Melvin Myers of Pilgrims Rest Church.