Dilly, John

DILLY, John Bruce

On the evening of November 9, 2021, John passed away after suffering a heart attack. He was 73 years old. John Dilly was born on May 9, 1948 in Charleston, WV. He was the second child and only son of Dardanella (Jarrell) Dilly and Marden (Jim) Paul Dilly.

John met the love of his life, Nancy Loar, at Oak Hills High School just outside of Cincinnati, OH. John graduated from Miami University in Oxford, OH with a BS in Business Administration in 1970, where he was fortunate to play football for Coach Bo Schembechler. John and Nancy began dating after college and married on June 17, 1972 in Cincinnati, OH.

John had a successful thirty-year career with the Building Materials Division of Georgia-Pacific Corporation. He held several positions as his family moved from Cincinnati, OH to Portland, OR, Indianapolis, IN, Sioux Falls, SD and Naperville, IL before settling in Johns Creek. After his respected management career at Georgia-Pacific, John became an entrepreneur and opened the first Bear Rock Café in the Atlanta area at Peachtree Battle Shopping Center. Upon selling his restaurant, he quickly learned to truly enjoy his full retirement. He and Nancy were very fortunate to be able to travel extensively around the world during their marriage.

John was a loving, devoted husband and a very supportive, proud father. His family was most important to him. He had a love for all sports and especially enjoyed playing tennis in his neighborhood, where he formed many strong friendships. John adopted the University of Georgia Bulldogs as his favorite local team. He was known to plan all his weekend activities around the kickoff times for the Dawgs and kept game times sacred. He was a voracious reader, had a passion for cooking on the grill and cherished his sports cars. He always kept busy and dedicated his time after his second retirement to planning evening meals, grocery shopping, home projects and woodworking. John was extremely handy, a true craftsman and could fix anything. He was very meticulous, methodical and orderly. John was a man of high integrity; he never had a bad word to say about anyone – always maintaining a positive outlook on life. His easy-going personality, gregarious nature, big heart and inviting smile will be missed by all.

John was preceded in death by his father Marden Dilly, his brother-in-law Robert Coughlin Sr. and his brother-in-law Dennis (Dionn) Loar.

John is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Nancy, his son Brad, his daughter Laura, his mother Dardanella, his sister Helen Coughlin, his niece Beth (Jimmy) Dutka, his nephew Bo (Heather) Coughlin, his brother-in-law Kenton Loar, his nephew Kenny (Michelle) Loar, his niece Callie (Brian) Neslund and countless friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that a charitable donation be made in his memory to Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church in Johns Creek, GA, Miami University in Oxford, OH or to a charity of your choice.

A celebration of his life is planned for Monday, November 15 at Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church, 2850 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022 with visitation beginning at 10 AM and a funeral service at 11 AM. A reception will immediately follow at The Falls of Autry Mill Clubhouse, 9825 Autry Falls Dr., Johns Creek, GA.

1 Thessalonians 4:14: "For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him."

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Funeral Home Information

Southcare Cremation & Funeral Society

595 Franklin Gateway SE

Marietta, GA