Gene Dill

Gene LeRoy Dill went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 2, 2010 at home surrounded by his loving family, after a long illness. Visitation will be Friday, Feburary 5, 2010 from 5-8 p.m. at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence and Saturday, 12-1 at Clear Branch Baptist Church. Services will be at 1 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow in Clear Branch Cemetery.\ \ He was born February 10, 1925 in Visalia, CA to Alvis Newton & Opal Agness Dill. The family moved to Dadeville, MO in the late 20's then moved back to California where Gene finished high school. After high school, Gene served his country, enlisting in the Army Air Force. Gene met the love of his life, Margaret Susie Grantham in Avenal, CA in 1946. They were married two years later in Margaret's home state at Clear Branch Baptist Church in Florence, MS. After marrying they returned to California where he worked various jobs until landing his career job at Southern California Edison where he retired in 1986 after 30 years of service. Gene was a very proud and dedicated father of the family of six children that he and Margaret raised together while living in Ojai, CA. After their children were grown they moved back to Mississippi.\ \ During the course of his life he was a dedicated sports fan and rooted for the LA Dodgers, the LA Lakers, the New Orleans Saints, the MS Braves and the Boise State Broncos. Church family has always been an important part of Gene's life. While living in California Gene was a member of the Ojai Valley Baptist Church. After moving to Florence he attended both Clear Branch and Mt. Zion Baptist Churches.\ \ Gene is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 61 years, Margaret (Grantham) Dill, his six children: Debra Lynn Allen (husband, Dave) of Florence, MS, Randall Gene Dill (wife Sylvia) of Jerome, ID, Sandra Margaret Blundell (husband Steven) of Tyler, TX, Judy Denise Swearingen (husband Tim) of Cuba, Kevin Grantham Dill of Searcy, AR and Shirley Sue Pressey (husband Jim) of Florence, MS and 32 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren; sister, Sue Blackford (husband Gary) of Ventura, CA and many many friends and other relatives.\