Earnest William Dillard Jr.

Earnest William Dillard Jr., age 49 passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Serenity Funeral Home, 8691 Old Pascagoula Rd., Theodore, AL 36582. Earnest will be laid to rest in Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens. On October 2, 1974, in Mobile, AL the lord blessed Earnest and Gloria Dillard Sr. with a handsome baby boy who they named, Earnest William Dillard Jr. As he began to grow and flourish into a bountiful chunk of a baby, they affectionately gave him the nick name “Bigboy”. Earnest was the only boy of four children. Earnest confessed Christ at an early age and was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist church where he began to be educated and learned of the love of God and to follow Christ. He was educated in Mobile County School System where he attended George Hall Elementary during his primary years. "He often reminisced and laughed about how he rarely made it home from school without seeing or being involved in a fight, but somehow, he always made it through." He attended Palmer Pillans Middle School and was a 1993 graduate of Lillie B. Williamson High School. After high school, Earnest received his training for seamanship at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Maryland and a was seaman for over 25 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 76 which was one of his favorite community pass times, where he had many friends and fun times. Although he did not get a chance to participate to full capacity, he was also a member of a Masonic Organization in Mobile, AL. Earnest also made and shared countless memories with his beloved wife, family, and friends. He also took great pleasure in fishing, crabbing, and seasonal hunting. On August 18, 2024, in the early morning hours, the Angels of God whispered “Bigboy” come now and rest. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria Dillard, great-grandmother, Dollie Hollinger, and grandparents, Roberta Dillard Gregg and Willie Battiste. He leaves to cherish his beloved wife of 25 years, Tameshia Nicole Dillard, his father, Earnest William Dillard Sr.; three sisters, his baby sister who was very dear to his heart, Stephanie (Brian) Gavin, Rosalind Dillard Shoemaker, and Rhonda (Anthony) Freeman. His grandmother, Goldie Battiste. One devoted niece, Julisa Dillard, four nephews, Chicaro Boyd, Brian Gavin Jr., Jahleel Green, and Jahrahd Green. His mother-in-law, Linda (Robert) Blue; father-in-law, Columbus Coleman; brother-in-law, Christopher (Keayata) Coleman; sister-in-law, Keieria Adams. Captain Shawn Tucy, who was a very supportive father figure in his life. A devoted friend, Torroce (Deneane) O’Cain. A devoted cousin, Kim (Oliver) Battle, along with numerous aunts, uncles, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives, extended family, and number of close friends who he treasured a lifelong bond.

Tributes

Earnest William Dillard Jr.

October 2, 1974 - August 18, 2024