Walter Wilson "Wissy" Dillard, Jr. passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Indywood Glen in Greenwood, Mississippi.

Wissy was born in 1930 in New Orleans to Walter Wilson Dillard and Ellen Thomas Dillard. The Dillards moved back to their hometown of Itta Bena shortly after where Wissy lived for most of his life. He graduated from Humphrey's High School (now known as Leflore County High School) in 1949 after having a remarkable high school athletic career. He proceeded on to Ole Miss where he played on the legendary Ole Miss Rebel football team led by Coach Johnny Vaught. He played offense and defense for three seasons but was most known as the talented halfback who helped Ole Miss beat then No. 1 ranked Maryland which sent the Rebels to the Sugar Bowl for the first time in 1953. Wissy was the very first Ole Miss Rebel to score a touchdown in the Sugar Bowl.

After graduating from Ole Miss in 1953, Wissy enlisted in the Air Force for a two-year term. After his service was completed, he returned to his beloved hometown of Itta Bena and began his 30+ year career in the Leflore County school system.  He began as a coach and teacher and moved up the ranks to principal at Sunnyside Elementary, Leflore County Elementary, and then to Leflore County High School principal. He finished his career with the Leflore County Schools as director of Transportation and Maintenance before retiring in 1988.

Wissy married the love of his life, Billie Faye Moore Dillard, in 1958. They enjoyed 56 wonderful years until her passing in 2015. Wissy was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church of Itta Bena where he sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and volunteered for any needs the church may have. He loved his family, loved his church, loved his country and loved his friends. He was the bright light in any room and brought joy to everyone around him.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Wissy was preceded in death by one sister-in-law, Dot Moore, and three nephews, Russell Moore, Scott Evans, and Ken Evans, Jr. He leaves behind a family that adored him including his son, Tom Dillard (Kris) of Oxford, MS; and daughter, Jean Dillard Blunden (Steve Kelly) of Greenwood, MS; four grandchildren who were his "pride and joy", Rachel Dillard Walker (Andrew), Katie Dillard Busching (Ben), Wilson Blunden, and Thomas Dillard. He also will be missed by four great-grandchildren, Mary Elliott Busching, Williams Walker, Campbell Busching, and Brooks Busching. He is also survived by his sister, Ann Dillard Evans (Ken) of Dickinson, TX; and brothers-in-law, Terry (Joy) Moore and Tommy Moore, both of Little Rock, AR; and sister-in-law, Jean Hall of Memphis, TN; and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held in Itta Bena Cemetery on Tuesday, January 17, at 1:00 p.m. Reverend Billy Ray Stonestreet will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Chase Hall, Will Hall, Stuart Hall, Wilson Blunden, Thomas Dillard, Ben Busching, and Andrew Walker.  There will be a celebration of life held following the service at Elks Lodge #854, 815 Sgt. John Pittman Drive, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Indywood Glen and their loving and compassionate staff for the wonderful care they provided Wissy through the years. They would also like to thank Sunflower Home Health, Kare in Home Hospice, and Dr. Henry Flautt for the care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Itta Bena Cemetery, PO Box 314, Itta Bena, MS 38941 or the charity of your choice. Wilson & Knight Funeral home are in charge of arrangements.