James "Preacher" Dillard, age 77, of Greenwood Springs, MS passed away Friday, August 20, 2021, at Baptist Golden Triangle Memorial Hospital, Columbus, MS.  Graveside services will be held on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at 2:30 pm, from the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Sulligent, AL. Bro. Russell Minga and Bro. Ronald Dillard to officiate. Visitation will be held from the Otts Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, from 1:00pm until 2:00pm, all in attendance are encouraged to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Pallbearers: George Phillips, Danny Dillard, Kevin Dillard, Jerry Ives

James Clyde "Preacher" Dillard was born on February 19, 1944 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, to the late William Clyde Dillard and Willie Mae Banks Dillard. James was retired from Walker Manufacturing, Aberdeen, MS. He was a member of Depriest Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. James served over 20 years in jail ministry alongside Bro. Russell Minga. He was a man of faith who loved the Lord, his family, and enjoyed fishing and working. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survived By:

Wife: Joyce Cook Dillard, Greenwood Springs, MS

Son: Randall (Debbie) Dillard, Sulligent, AL

Step-Son: Wesley (Andrea) Jarrell, Encinitas, CA

Daughters: Melissa (George) Phillips, Sulligent, AL

Peggy Sue Lewis , Sulligent, AL

Stepdaughter: Sundra Gail (Mike) LeCroy, Hoover, AL

Brothers: Doc (Peggy) Dillard, Sulligent, AL

Guy (Sarah) Dillard, Greenwood Springs, MS, Jack (Patsy) Dillard, Greenwood Springs, MS

Sisters: Betty Jean Newsome, Hamilton, AL, Gladys (Wayne) Irvin, Hamilton, AL

Grandchildren: Shanda (Rocky) Hall, Joshua (Shanda) Dillard, Regan LeCroy, Peyton LeCroy, Lauren LeCroy, Steven Jarrell, Olivia Jarrell

Step Granddaughter: Cheyennea Phillips

Great Grandchild: Cheyenne Hardin

Preceded in Death By:

Parents: William Clyde Dillard and Willie Mae Banks Dillard

Sister: Virginia Faulkner

Brothers: George Dillard, John Dillard, James Thomas Dillard, William Howard Dillard, Frank Dillard, and  Jimmy Dillard