Jimmy Leon Dillon

Jimmy Leon Dillon, age 82, gained his angel wings on November 16, 2022. He was born January 28,1940 in Ironton, Ohio to the late Leon and Charlene Fulks Dillon. He was also preceded in death by his sister Bettie Lee Dial. Jimmy graduated from Huntington (WV) East High and Trade School where he met Marlene Morris, his devoted wife of 58 years. He attended Marshall University. Jimmy faithfully served his country as an electrician and pall bearer in the United States Air Force in Alaska, Texas and Alabama. He and Marlene were married at the Gunter Air Force Base Chapel in 1964 and have since made Montgomery their home.

Jimmy spent his career as a certified electrician with Little Electric, Maxwell AFB and the VA Hospital, and generously shared his electrical expertise with friends and family. He was a jack-of-all trades who repaired and fabricated parts for anything needing repair. Jimmy designed and assisted in the construction of three homes for him and Marlene, two built in Montgomery and one in Sevierville, TN.

Jimmy’s mechanical mind and artistic eye are most evident in the five antique cars he lovingly and meticulously rebuilt – two 1940 Ford Coupe Convertibles, another 1940 Ford Coupe, a ‘39 Ford convertible with rumble seat and a rare ‘41 Lincoln Zephyr. Jimmy loved to go to car shows and cruise-Ins, and won many awards for his custom-built cars.

Jimmy enjoyed RV camping especially meeting up with friends at Good Sam Samborees. He had a loving heart for animals, especially Bella and Coco, his many other dogs over the years as well as the occasional neighborhood cat. Jimmy was a longtime member of Eastmont Baptist Church and the Short Sunday School Class.

In addition to his wife, Marlene, survivors include sister and brother-in-law Phyllis and Tom Welch, and nieces Vicki Welch Alvis (Joel), Heather Welch Sawyer (Jason), Sandi Dial Estes (Allen) and Kathy Dial, along with many great and great great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home on Saturday, November 19 at 9:00 AM, followed by a service to celebrate Jimmy’s life at 10:00 AM and graveside service with military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests honoring Jimmy with a donation to The Humane Society of Elmore County.

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