Ned Earnest Dillard, age 79, of Lenoir, North Carolina graduated to his Heavenly home on Wednesday, August 21st, 2024.

Ned was born on June 3rd, 1945 to the late Ronda Dillard and Ruth in Caldwell County, North Carolina.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by, his son-in-law, Joseph Thomas; brother, Norris Dillard; sister-in-law, Norma Dillard; and sister, Diane Dillard.

Those left to cherish Ned's memory include his wife of 58 years, Barbara Bean Dillard; daughters, Maurica Thomas and Nedda Grogan (Gary); brother, Troy Dillard (Teresa); sisters, Donna Frye (Jerry) and Debbie Simmons (Chuck); and grandchildren, Christopher Thomas and Jillian Grogan.

Ned was a man who was truly well loved by his family and friends. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and his wife who was the light of his life. Ned was a hard worker and was known to his loved ones as "Mr. Fix-It". There wasn't anything he couldn't fix. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, going on many fishing trips with his grandchildren. Ned loved to help others. He was the first in line to help anyone in need. He also loved the Lord with all his heart and had a very strong faith. Ned loved Nascar, and was actually a racer himself, often racing Volkswagen cars and motorcycles. Ned also loved to play a good game of baseball. He was considered quite the character who could make anyone laugh, sometimes unintentionally, and if you ever visited him or he visited you, you had to have a cup of coffee with him.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Ned Dillard.