Obituaries:  T. A. Dillard, Sabine Parish       D-463
Source:  Sabine Index, Many, La., Jan 15, 1960
Submitted by: Carl Dilbeck
              carlrad@earthlink.net


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T. A. Dillard

  The close knit circle of the T. A. Dillard family was broken
with the sudden passing of Mr. Dillard, about 7:30, Sunday
morning, Dec. 27, 1959, at his home in Pleasant Hill.

  Mr. Dillard, a lifelong resident of Sabine Parish, was born near
Many in 1879, the fifth child of J. J. Dillard and Rebecca Patton
Dillard. In 1901, he married Emma Lou Weeks. From this union came
four children, Maudie, Viola, Luther, and Hoyt. All his active
years, he was a farmer and timber man. A large part of his early
life was spent in the vicinity of historic Fort Jesup. In later
years, he resided near and in Pleasant Hill.

  Although a hard worker, possessing much individualism and
independence, his career was marked by no achievement that the
standards of this world consider noteworthy. He never attained,
nor apparently desired possessions or recognition, which are the
measure of a successful man. However, he was in a very real
sense, and without affectation, a true philosopher who knew the
basic needs of men are few. That striving to fulfill desires
beyond these lead usually to unhappiness and frustration. Since
one of the basic needs is affection, in his quiet and unobtrusive
way, he bestowed it on those about him. Not only the members of
his immediate family, but his relatives and wide circle of
friends felt this affection. Children had a special place in his
heart, and they, in turn, responded to his love and attention. It
was a familiar sight to see him rocking a child on his knee, or
strolling about the yard with a wide-eyed youngster in his arms.

  Through his long life, he was blessed with remarkable health. To
a large extent this can be attributed to the quiet equilibrium of
his pattern of living. Seldom did he lose his temper, and then
only under the utmost provocation. At no time did he forget his
sense of dignity, or put aside his courteous manner. In reference
to his imperturbable nature, the pastor remarked at the funeral
that Mr. Dillard was one of the best men he had ever known. That
he was a good and lovable man was made manifest by the wealth of
flowers and expressions of sorrow at his passing. The following
lines from the poet epitomize the quiet tenor of his life.

  "Serene I fold my hands and wait,
  Nor care for wind, nor tide, nor sea;
  I rave no more against time or fate,
  For lo! My own shall come to me."