of Longview, TX
September 21, 1933 - October 25, 2023
For years Dillard was a regular in the morning at Cheers in the Heights, where I work. We all loved him very much. His morale and kindness was a breath of fresh air in this crazy world. We have dearly missed him, but happy he could move to Texas to be with his family who he loved so very much.
My sincerest condolences to Dillard’s family. I met Dillard at Cheers in the Heights when I worked there in Little Rock. Dillard always came in for a cup of coffee before we opened and all of us always loved sitting with him to have a chat. Many of us would show up early just so we had time to sit and talk with Dillard. He always treated me like family and I always loved hearing his stories of his days in the service and all the wonderful stories he had to tell of his wife, whom he clearly loved very much. My heart is broken knowing the last time I spoke with him was the last time I would ever hear from him. I looked at him as my own grandfather and will forever cherish all those mornings at Cheers. He truly was one of the most wonderful people I have ever met. I moved to Alabama and we stayed in contact over the years. He even drove 8 hours to visit my husband and I at our new house for a few hours and then drove back to Arkansas the same day, even as I insisted he stayed with us to get a good nights sleep before the long trip back home. That’s just the kind of guy he was. There are so many stories I could share of Dillard and how giving and sweet he was. I will miss him exponentially. I would give anything to have seen him walking into the gates of Heaven and seeing his wife again. My heart is happy thinking about the warm embrace of being in his wife’s and Jesus’ arms. I know he had been waiting on that moment for a long time and I’m so happy to know they are reunited at last. I hope we can see each-other again one day and catch up. RIP Dillard, I will never ever forget you and the friendship we shared. Thank you for all you did for me.
I graduated with Dillard’s younger brother, Stanley. The girls my age thought Dillard was so handsome and very nice.
My prayers and sentiments are with his family.
Sincerely,
Lynda Wise
To Mr. Martins family, I never knew Mr. Martin, but my friend, Bettye Ward knew him. My daughter was getting married and we were busily preparing for that special day. She suggested that she ask Dillard if we could cut limbs of magnolia trees out at the cemetery to use in FBCWM for greenery on the altar and across the modesty rail. He gave us permission and so we borrowed a friend's truck and we cut all we thought we needed and took to The Flower Shop for them to use. I shall never forget his name and how nice he must be to allow us that privilege. He did not give us any rules, just get what you need. My friend passed before Dillard or I would be calling her to tell her he has gone on too. Think of the many nice gestures people have spoken about him and pattern your behavior from him. I dare say you will not go wrong. He was a blessing in my life. Most sincerely,
I am saddened to hear of Dillard's passing. He was always good to me when I worked for him at Roller Funeral Home. He was a man of integrity and character. God rest his soul.
Anyone who knew you, learned how to be a better person. You were a hard act to follow.
Prayers to the family of Mr. Martin. I remember him taking the time to speak to a teenager in Mt. Home in 1999 about being a funeral director - that teenager was me. He was a great representative for a great company and family with a greater mission.
Dillard was a boss, a mentor, a fellow board member and most of all a Friend to LeAnn & me. He took a skinny, 28 year old boy and made him a general manager of 2 funeral homes, at the time, and 3 cemeteries, those business skills learned got me to where I am today. After I transitioned careers, he served on the board as a public member. He was an outstanding business man, who knew the names of "each" employee, had the utmost ethics, highest morals, while being extremely savvy! If he told you something you never needed to get it in writing, it was going happen. One of the things that he did all of his life was: he "served". Dillard, LeAnn & I will NEVER forget you and the tremendous impact that you have had on our lives!!! One of the absolute best men that we have ever had the pleasure of knowing!!! Your legacy definitely lives on in hearts of many!!!
Praying for comfort for you in your loss.
He was a good friend that helped many people in time of their need
Dillard was a wonderful leader at Roller Funeral Homes. He always made the effort to call each employee on their birthday. He was fare but firm. The best thing about him was that he would go out of his way to mess with me but the best of that was when I got back at him in a big way that he had no idea what was coming. I was an apprentice and had help from Jack Dunlap my manager and mentor.
Rest in peace Mr. Martin and blue skies and gentle tailwinds my friend.