Dr. Clarence Elmore Dillard Jr.

Dr. Clarence Elmore Dillard, Jr. (Jack) was escorted to Heaven in the arms of his Savior, Jesus on February 22, 2018. Dr. Jack was born Dec. 6, 1928 to Dr. Clarence Elmore and Myrtle Stonecipher Dillard. He leaves the following legacy of love: his wife Betty Sue. Three daughters: Kathy and husband Dowell Conley of Blytheville, Diane and husband John Tom Hargrave of Fullerton, CA, 0.and Becky Hinerman of Maumelle. Six grandchildren: Kim and husband Brett Grotbeck of Boston, MA, Zac Hargrave of Fullerton, CA, Kristen and husband Joshua Thinnes of San Francisco, CA, Josh Conley of Memphis, TN, Alyssa and husband Wes Painter of Nashville, TN, and Sean Hinerman of Maumelle. Three great-grandchildren: Peter and Evan Grotbeck of Boston, MA and Thea Painter of Nashville, TN. A sister, Sunshine Smedley of Arkadelphia, and sister-in-law Dorothy Dillard of Texarkana, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Saxon Dillard and Clayborne Dillard. Dr. Jack attended Murfreesboro schools and was the quarterback for the Rattlers. After graduation from Henderson State University, he was accepted into Washington University Dental school in St. Louis, MO. Following the reception of his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1953, he went into the Navy. His service to his country took him to San Diego, CA and to Guam. Returning home, he established his dental practice with his dad. His love for people was instrumental in providing affordable dental care to the citizens of the area. He loved his hometown and never wanted to live anywhere else. He served as Chamber of Commerce President and was thrilled when he and Betty Sue were chosen to be Mr. and Mrs. Diamond for the Annual Diamond Festival. An avid photographer, many of his photographs were used through the years in the Rattler annuals and he almost never missed a home football game. He received the Murfreesboro High School Alumni Award in 1999. His marriage for 68 years to the love of his life, Betty Sue Elam was a true love story. Born in the same house, same bedroom, and delivered by the same doctor 5 months apart is a favorite story they love to tell. They started 1st grade together, and were High School and college sweethearts. They did everything together and have been apart very few days of their lives. Jack was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church and held many positions in the church. In 1994 he went on the Walk to Emmaus and it was so meaningful, that under his leadership, he was helpful in seeing 95 people in his church and other churches in town and the surrounding area attend the Walk. He served on the Board of Directors from 1996 - 1999. He and Betty Sue retired in 1992 after 37 years of practicing dentistry and had a wonderful time traveling. They went to all the states in the union and also Alaska and Hawaii. They went to Mexico and cruised the Caribbean but will both agree that their trip to the Holy Land was the best. Dr. Jack had a wide interest in many different things but he especially loved the lake. The Dillard's spent many hours fishing, skiing, sailing and enjoying their barge. He was a wonderful family man and was known as Mr. Fix-it. He always helped Betty Sue with their backyard and enjoyed sitting outside surrounded by the beauty of all the flowers. The joy of his life was the annual family reunion when everyone came home. There was always time at the lake, a "theme" party to enjoy, old movies and slides to watch and the homemade ice cream to freeze. And of course, lots of pictures to take. Dr. Jack Dillard will continue to live in the hearts of his many friends and more especially through his family who carry an untold amount of lessons taught and love received. He was a man of true character whose life was a living witness of God's love. Visitation will be held before the service from 1:00-2:00. A celebration of a life well lived will be held at Murfreesboro First United Methodist Church at 2:00 on February 25, 2018. Burial will follow in Murfreesboro Cemetery. In honor of his love for his church, the family humbly requests memorials be made to First United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, AR. A special thank you to the many family and friends who brought food, drove us to Dr. appointments, visited and prayed for us. And thanks to Central Arkansas Hospice for the loving and tender care given to Dr. Dillard so he could be in his home. Two special angels helped to care for Dr. Jack in his last days and deep appreciation and love goes out to Delores Marsh and her daughter LaDonna. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dr. Clarence Elmore Dillard Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.