COL (US Army Ret.) Franklin Randolph Dillard , age 86, of Newport News, VA passed away with his wife by his side on July 15, 2023.

Born on August 12, 1936, in Newport News, VA, Frank was the youngest of seven children.  Upon graduating from Huntington High School in 1954, he departed home to pursue advanced schooling at Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA.  It is there where his true passions in life evolved – family, the U.S. Army, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

While majoring in Physical Education, Frank was also a cadet in the Army ROTC Program.  Upon graduation in 1958, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry Corps.  He then embarked on an illustrious military career with his former wife, Janie Rose Dillard, that spanned over 30 years. During his military career, he courageously led Soldiers during two tours in Vietnam, held numerous overseas leadership positions in France, Germany, and Korea, and served in a variety of command and staff positions throughout the United States.  Also, while serving his country, Frank earned his master's degree from Hampton Institute (University).  His decorated, highly successful military career culminated in 1989 with retirement at the rank of Colonel.  A consummate military professional, his leadership and valor were always on display not only through his actions, but also on his uniform where he proudly donned the U.S. Army Ranger Tab, the Pathfinder Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.  His military awards include: The Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and numerous Meritorious Service Medals, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (5), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, among others.

Frank was a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.  He was initiated into the Alpha Phi Chapter at Virginia State University on April 24, 1957.   Regardless of where his military career led him, he always found his way home to his brothers in the Hampton-Newport News (VA) Alumni Chapter where he served honorably as the 29th Polemarch from June 1, 1991 – June 5, 1993.

After divorce, Frank found love again, and cherished more than 20 years of memories with his beloved wife, Jo-Cile Parker Dillard, whom he married in 2003.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents Edward Dillard Sr. and Bertha Thomas Dillard, and his siblings, Marcus G. Dillard, Edward L. Dillard Jr., Bertha M. Seabron, Butler Dillard, Charles T. Dillard, and Herbert A. Dillard, all of Newport News, VA.

Left to cherish his memories are two daughters, Andrea Dillard and Lisa Dillard, two grandsons Andre' Cojoe and Sidney Hughes Jr., stepchildren Pamela Harvey, Connie Harvey Jr. (Sunny), and Rodney Harvey (Sonya), step-grandchildren Bria Harvey, Skyler Harvey, Ian Harvey-Thomas, Miles Harvey and James Harvey, nephew Randolph Dillard, nieces Leah Dillard, April Naderhirn, great nephews Brandon Dillard and Alexander Dillard, and many lifelong friends.

Colonel Franklin Randolph Dillard will be remembered as the true patriarch of the Dillard family, a distinguished military officer and a loyal friend. He was a man of honor who held steadfast to his word and instilled values of integrity, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to duty in everyone he loved. He leaves behind a void that can never be filled, but his memory will continue to inspire and guide us. May his soul find eternal peace.

A memorial service will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 29, 2023 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org or Vietnam Veterans of America www.vva.org