Larry Lee Dillard "Dill"

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, August 19, at Inglewood Cemetery Mortuary with Pastor Rudy Hagood of University Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow at Inglewood Park Cemetery. Arrangements are by Inglewood Cemetery Mortuary.

Larry Lee Dillard was born in Memphis, TN, to parents Richmond and Barbara Dillard on April 10, 1948. He went to elementary and middle school at Carnes, Klondike, and graduated from Manassas High in North Memphis.

As a teenager, Larry loved to roller skate and dance. He would win dancing contests around Memphis. Larry excelled in football and played throughout high school, which afforded him a full athletic scholarship to Lane College in Jackson, TN in 1966. During his 1st year at Lane, Larry pledged and became a member of the Kappa Alpha PSI Fraternity.

Larry met the love of his life, Virginia Turner, while at Lane College, and at the age of 21, they married on August 24, 1968, in Memphis, TN. Right after their wedding, instead of a traditional reception, Larry and Virginia went to the concert of his favorite artist, James Brown, because everyone knew Larry loved to dance and music. Shortly after marriage, Larry and Virginia welcomed three children into their union, Larri "Wonderful," Nina, and Johnny.

Larry was affectionately called "Dill" by his family and friends; he was a gentle giant who loved to dress head to toe, which included stepping out in his beloved fraternity apparel. Larry also loved rolling in his many Cadillacs throughout his life. Larry had a wild side and lived life to the fullest

unapologetically. He always took risks and continued that persona as he moved his family from Memphis, TN, to Los Angeles, CA, in May of 1980. Wanting to give his children a different environment and enrich their lives. His favorite mottos were "Don't be afraid to live your life" and "It's just another page in the book of life." He wanted his children to live that way but be a little more cautious than him. If you spent any time around Larry, you knew his pride and joy was his family, and he was very protective of them. He loved bragging about his kids and grandkids and taking all of the accolades for their accomplishments.

Larry was a friend to many and spoke to everyone who interacted with him. Larry also made it a point to know his neighbors; he was "Southern" like that. He always smiled when he greeted you, and there would always be laughter when you were around him. Larry believed in being a present father in his children's lives and the neighborhood. Dill always had positive words of encouragement to share with the neighborhood kids, especially the boys. He always tried to steer them on the right path because of his street knowledge. Anywhere Larry would go, he was respected because of his relatable personality. If you were hungry, he always offered you something to eat, a "hot dog" or a "piece of fruit." He loved to exercise and would take any opportunity to talk about fitness and adding it to your daily life. Which became his motto, "Add something to your bank."

Larry's work experience expanded over the years as a driver for special needs children, a mail deliverer at Hughes, a security guard, and apartment management until his retirement.

Larry will be remembered for his big smile, words of encouragement, his ability to make you laugh out loud, and love for his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Richmond and Barbara Dillard, brother, Harold Dillard.

Larry is survived by his wife Virginia, Children: Larri (Dana spouse), Nina, Johnny (Carla spouse): Grandchildren: Jabri, Armani, Cheyenne, Sierra, Alana, Jaxon, Sanai, and Jurnee; Great-Grandchildren: Jacari, Jayden and Jiya, an aunt, sister-in-laws and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Pallbearers:

Johnny Dillard, Jabri Proby, Percy Stone, Dana Frelow, Mario Dillard, A.D Dillard, Vincent Stone

Honorary Pallbearers:

Joe Duckett, Donald Stone, Randy Duckett, Dominic Dillard

Memorials may be sent to 2052 W. 74th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90047.

The family of Larry Lee Dillard would like to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation for all the love, kindness, sympathy, and support bestowed upon them during this time of grief. May God Bless and Keep you!