Dennis Ray Dillavou

After many years of fighting cancer, Dennis Ray Dillavou won the victory and went to be with his Lord on February 25th, 2023. He was born in Eldora, Iowa on May 17th, 1943 to Thelma M. Dillavou and Earl E. Dillavou who both preceded him in death.

Dennis was a fighter in many ways. He and his sister, Mary would go many rounds, boxing gloves included. Dennis grew up without his dad who passed away when he was 8 years old. He graduated from Malvern High School and then joined the Navy where he spent the next four years on the USS Ranger CVa-61, positioned on the coast of Viet Nam.

One thing that set him apart as a dad was his ability to whistle and imitate almost any bird he heard. He never met a stranger and made lifelong friends from coast to coast.

Dennis was saved at an early age and was baptized in the local river. His life took him in many directions but in the last few years, he reconnected with his Savior and attended New Life Baptist Church where he loved the Praise and Worship he experienced while there.

Preceding him in death were his Grandparents, his mom, and dad, his second wife Willma Dillavou, his sister, Kristie Sams, brother Alan Dillavou and granddaughters Carmen Turner and Alyssa Dillavou.

Dennis is survived by his daughter, Angela Turner (Michael) of Benton, son, Chadrick Dillavou (Jey-an) of Alexander, and daughter, Alesha Falwell (Craig) of Newport. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Lanie Turner, Morgan West, Clayton Dillavou, Sophie, and Craig Falwell, along with his sisters, Mary Downs, Beth Peters (Bobby), brothers, Loran Dillavou (Sandy) and Willis Sams (Regina), and a host of nieces and nephews.

Services were at PineCrest funeral home in Alexander on March 8th, 2023 at 10:00 am with visitation starting at 9:00 am. He will then be escorted and buried in the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetary in North Little Rock at 12:00 pm per his request wanting a military burial.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pinecrestfh.com for the Dillavou family.