Ralph Lee Dillard

Ralph Lee Dillard Ralph Lee Dillard, 76, of Clinton, MD passed away on April 8, 2017 at the Medstar Southern Maryland Hospital. Ralph was born March 2, 1941 in Forest Virginia to the late Joe Lee and Estelle Johnson Dillard. He was a graduate of Susie B. Gibson High School in Bedford, VA. Ralph enlisted in the Marine Corps after high school and served 10 years with two tours of duty in Vietnam. After discharge from the marines, Ralph enrolled in Federal City College now the University of the District of Columbia. While in college he worked full time and was on the Dean’s List all four years. Ralph graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing in 1975 and began his professional career with the United States Secret Service. Included in his many duties with the Secret Service was work at the 1984 Democratic National Convention in San Francisco, CA. Ralph transferred employment to the Department of Agriculture in 1986. He worked there as a supervisor in the Economic Research Service Division. Throughout his career, both military and civilian, Ralph amassed citations and awards for excellence including the Naval Achievement Medal for meritorious service and several Director’s Awards from the Department of Agriculture. Ralph was a member of Forest Level Baptist Church in Forest, VA. He then became an active member of Clinton Presbyterian Church until it closed. He later joined Providence-Fort Washington United Methodist Church where he served as chair of the trustee board and member of the care committee and the sanctuary choir. Ralph was an active volunteer in the community with organizations including the Red Cross and Christmas in April. He was also a loyal Redskins fan. Ralph enjoyed long walks with his wife, traveling, singing, and working on model cars. He and his wife went on cruises and in August 2016 they went to Niagara Falls, Canada to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Ralph was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He met no strangers and was loved by all. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Carole Dianne Davis Dillard, his children, Darryl Lee Dillard of Los Angeles, CA and Janel LeAnne Dillard of Clinton, MD, his sisters Maggie C. Jones (Napoleon), Estelle S. Harris Gladys D. Trice (Arthur), Lillie D. Smith (Lloyd), and Shirley D. Crews (Stanley) and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by brothers, Joe Dillard, Sidney Dillard, and Todd Dillard, and sisters, Emma D. Ward and Elsie D. Wade. Funeral services will be Friday April 21, 2017, 11:00 am, at Providence-Fort Washington United Methodist Church, Fort Washington, MD. Services will be led by Rev. Kermit C. C.Moore, pastor, and Rev. Dr. Sidney E. Davis, brother-in-law, of Charleston, SC. The family visitation will be at Lee Funeral Home, Clinton, MD, Thursday April 20, 2017 6:00-8:00 pm. Internment will be at the Washington National Cemetery in Suitland MD. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ralph Lee Dillard please visit our Sympathy Store.