Mr. Robert Albert “Sam” Dillard, age 71, of Murphy, NC, passed away Friday, September 28, 2012 in the Erlanger Medical Center.Mr. Dillard was born in the Hot House Community of Cherokee County, NC to the late Albert Robert and Hassie Denton Dillard. He was a self-employed contractor with Dillard Excavating Construction. He was an avid fan of Nascar and loved his grandchildren and family.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty one years, Lillian Hicks Dillard of the home; children, Jennifer (Bruce) Murphy of Violet, NC, Robert Sam (Connie) Dillard of Murphy, NC, Melissa Dillard of Murphy, NC; brothers, Jerry Dillard of Woodstock, GA, Gary (Nancy) Dillard of Murphy, NC; sisters, Nancy (Gerald) Dockery of Epworth, GA, Susie (Roger) Young of Alpharetta, GA; seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren, Taylor Hall, Riley Hall, Danner Hall and Hudson Murphy.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday, October 1st at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins of Copperhill Chapel with Bruce Murphy, Robert Dillard and Neal Murphy officiating. Music will be by the Golden Sisters. Grandchildren serving as pallbearers are Jonah Dillard, Neal Dillard, Jodi Hall, Jason Murphy, Samuel Dillard, Sawyer Dillard and Noah Dillard. Honorary pallbearers include, Doyle Graves, Bob Farver, Ray McHan, Charles McHan, Tom Sheilds, Jerry Dillard, Gary Dillard, David Gabrielli, Larry Riley, Ralph McGill, Lee Dillard, Dan Griffith and Lynn McHan. Interment will follow in the Simonds Chapel Baptist Church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Mr. Dillard may be made to the Simonds Chapel Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, c/o Nancy Dillard, 228 Dillard Road, Murphy, NC 28906.

Condolences to the family may be sent to www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill in charge of arrangements.