Michael G. Dillard

Today, we honor the passing of Michael Glenn Dillard. Born December 10, 1946, in St. Louis, MO. His home was in E. State Louis, IL until the time he served in the military and later pursued a career in the medical field as an X-ray Supervisor at Rockford Memorial Hospital. This is where he met his wife of 46 years. Michael & Phyllis moved to Portland, OR, married in 1979, and had 3 children. In 1989, they moved back to Rockford, where he worked in RPS205. Michael was well known for his dedication to children in our community. He was instrumental in starting the elementary REBA league, the middle school girls' basketball, and the boys' football at West Middle School. Coaching East High School Varsity Girls’ Basketball and Freshman Football, retiring in 2009. After retiring, he worked at Rockford Rescue Mission and delivered parts for Advance Auto.

Michael was diagnosed in 2021 with a rare type of cancer. After all efforts to beat this, they chose to end treatment and live life under OSF Hospice care. Michael and Phyllis spent all his last days together, with Phyllis as his caregiver, never leaving his side, and the loving care of his family.  Michael leaves behind his wife, Phyllis (Ahrens) Dillard; daughter, Mayla (James) Kyles; son, Brandon (Mandy) Dillard; daughter, Kathleen Dillard, and sister, Barbara Ann Watts. Five grandchildren, one great-grandson, nephews and nieces, and a host of very special friends. Predeceased by his mother, Ocie P. Dillard; father, George Johnson; brother, Darrell Dillard; sister, Marsha McClain-Jennings, and granddaughter, Jamaya Kyles. 

Special thanks to OSF Hospice for the loving care provided to Michael and the family, and to Shelley Smith for her unconditional love and support to Phyllis and the family. 

Lord, guide us during these troubling times and give us all the strength he left behind for us to continue to pick up the pieces.

Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Honquest Family Funeral Homes with Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 4311 N Mulford Rd. Loves Park, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael G. Dillard, please visit our floral store.