Pastor Ralph Lee Dillard, age 67, of Jennings, FL passed away on November 1, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Pastor Dillard was born on May 9, 1953 to the late James and Hilder Burkett Dillard in Sebring, FL. At age 17, Ralph Dillard enlisted in the Army where he served in Germany. After leaving the army, he experienced salvation on the Christmas of 1975 which changed the trajectory of the rest of his life. In his words, "the happiest time was when I found the Lord Jesus Christ and accepted His as Savior. Nothing can compare to the joy and happiness of knowing your sins are forgiven. This experience began a whole new life for me." Pastor Dillard served the Church of God for 40 years as pastor in Louisiana and Florida. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Lee University in 1994 and Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty University in 2012. Pastor Dillard embodied the calling and office of the Shepherd. He was known for his passion for studying the Scriptures and his heartfelt love and compassion for those whom he served. He had a heart for ministering to people both locally and internationally. Pastor Dillard often testified that his first trip to Cuba transformed his life so much that he spent the rest of his life organizing and fundraising for mission projects throughout the world. Other than his personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Pastor Dillard's greatest joy was his family. To his family, he was Ralph, Daddy and Papa, and he was invested in the lives, interests, and spiritual health of what he considered to be his greatest gift: Donna and the girls. He left a spiritual legacy for all those who were impacted by his life and ministry.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Donna Kelley Dillard; his daughters, Leah Mathis, and her husband Clifton, of Ringgold, GA and Dina Henson, and her husband Joshua, of Ocala, FL; five grandchildren, Emalee Mathis, and her fiancé Micah Creamer, Natalee Mathis, Makenzie Henson, Lillee Mathis, and Ashton (AJ) Henson; and his brother Bobby Dillard; his uncles Billy Burkett and Duncan Burkett; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on November 4, 2020 at the Lake City Church of God located at 173 SE Ermine Ave, Lake City, FL 32025 as follows:
- Public Visitation at 3:00 pm
- Funeral Service at 4:00 pm

Due to the distance, there will be a private internment service immediately following the service at the West Lake Church of God in Jennings, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lake City Church of God mission fund. In Pastor Dillard's memory, the family would like to build a house in Guatemala. https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/1486194