David R. Dillinger

David R. Dillinger

Thomson, GA – Mr. David R. Dillinger, 83, of Huntington Road entered into rest  September 15, 2013.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at the Thomson Presbyterian Church with Dr. Wilfred Bellamy officiating.

Mr. Dillinger was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Dr. George R. Dillinger and the late Marguerite Kosht Dillinger. He grew up in Thomasville, GA, and graduated from Culver Military Academy in Indiana. He later attended and graduated from the University of Georgia in Athens.

After college he joined the U. S. Army. During his career, he served in many positions of responsibility culminating as Area Advisor, United States Army Readiness Region, based in Forest Park, Georgia, from October 1952 to August 1973. Lieutenant Colonel Dillinger distinguished himself by rendering outstanding meritorious service. His assignments have included Instructor Pilot, 68 ^th Armored Division, Company Commander and Staff Officer at the Battalion, Group and Post Garrison levels, as well as overseas assignments in Korea, Vietnam, and Europe. In 1961, he was awarded the Senior Aviator Badge and in 1969, he received the Wings of a Master Army Aviator.

Following retirement from the U. S. Army, he and his family moved to Thomson, Georgia where he owned and operated the local Thomson-McDuffie Airport. He served as past president of We Care, past president of Habitat for Humanity, as a former Delegate for the State Republican Party, and the former Chairman of the local Republican Party. He was also a faithful and devoted member of Thomson Presbyterian Church where he served as Deacon emeritus.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 61 years, Sara Dillinger; daughters, Susan Dillinger Hitt of Dearing, GA, Nancy Dillinger Walters (Tim) of Grovetown, GA; son, Mark David Dillinger (Deborah) of Houma, LA; step-mother, Ann K. Dillinger of Huntsville, AL; brothers, Charles R. Dillinger of Dearing, GA, George J. Dillinger of Arizona; sisters, Ann D. Elgin of Huntsville, AL, Jeanne D. Crass of Decatur, GA;

grandchildren, Amy Hitt, D. J. Hitt, Robbie Walters, and John Mark Dillinger and one great-grandchild, Michael Hitt.

Memorials may be made to Thomson Presbyterian Church, 617 Jackson Street, Thomson, GA 30824, Manna, 451 East Hill Street, Thomson, GA 30824 or to the Habitat for Humanity, P. O. Box 1701, Thomson, GA 30824.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m., Monday, September 16, 2013 at the funeral home.

Beggs Funeral Home, Thomson, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.