Dwight Wayne Dillard, 77, of Raleigh passed peacefully on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at home with his family by his side. He was born February 12, 1947 in Raleigh to the late Dwight V. Dillard and Albertine Morris Dillard. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, William Lowell Dillard.
Wayne attended Cary High School where he met Brenda, played basketball and baseball, held student government positions, and graduated in 1965. He attended the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and played basketball during the tenure of Dean Smith. Wayne proudly served our country in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant in Vietnam. He was a dedicated business owner of Interstate Batteries of Coastal Plains, which served the eastern counties of NC for over 50 years. Wayne was a member of Ephesus Baptist Church, where he was baptized before serving overseas. He served as a deacon, teacher, member of the Agape Shalom class, and participated in many mission trips and disaster relief projects.
Joy in Wayne’s life revolved around his grandchildren. From attending their sporting events to spending time with them on any occasion, he cherished watching them grow. Wayne was an avid golfer and world champion softball player. He never missed a Carolina basketball game and loved the Tarheels. He also enjoyed antiquing, collecting cars, motorcycles, memorabilia and coaching sports.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Brenda; his children, Stephen Dillard and Stephanie Wheeler (Lance); his grandchildren Greyson Layne and Lawson Wayne Wheeler; and his sister Jennifer Holland (Danny).
The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 24, 2024 beginning at 9:30 am at Ephesus Baptist Church (6767 Hillsborough Street Raleigh, NC 27606). A memorial service will follow at 11:00 am. Inurnment will follow the service at Raleigh Memorial Park Mausoleum (7501 Glenwood Avenue Raleigh, NC 27612). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Folds of Honor Foundation at www.foldsofhonor.org which provides educational scholarships for military families of fallen or disabled members.
Brown-Wynne Cary is honored to serve the Dillard family. If you would like to leave a favorite memory or story of Wayne or even a message of condolence to his family, you may do so within the "Add a Memory" box located below.
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