This poem is for one of my best friend’s Dad, whom I “adopted” as my second Dad. He was amazing, a true Christ follower and a humble servant who loved and helped everyone he possibly could! He designed and built a church and was active in it for many decades. I called him, “Daddy Dillard.”

Byron M.Dillard August 16, 1933- December 23, 2025

He Built a Life

Where Daddy Dillard used to be, now lies an empty place

No one can ever fill his shoes; no one can take his place

Full time employed by our dear Lord, his life poured out in praise

It was his pleasure sure to serve and praise God all his days

A willingness to travel far, a heart to love those near

A worker with a heart of gold; he built a life of care

Across the globe and far beyond he answered calls to go

To build for strangers help and hope, so Jesus they would know

Each structure that he’d build with care, ‘tho done by his own hands

Was prayed for with his heart’s desire for God and His good plans

He taught, not always sermon-style, but in the way he lived

True lessons born of time and faith as steadily he’d give

He carried with him ready smiles, and joy they did impart

Free offering to everyone, his legacy of heart

Listening more than he would speak; his words were “right as rain”

Like poetry in wisest form, he spoke in sweet refrain

Forever I will treasure him who called me family

It’s not that I deserved as such, but that’s like God, you see

He calls us sons and daughters, all and loves us as his own

He guides us on our way with grace ‘til God will call us home.

Christina Crute

Thank you, Lord for the legacy of your servant that I was blessed to know and love. Help me to be like Daddy Dillard, who wanted to be like You. I do not deserve all the blessings or people You send but I am grateful for them, trials too. Whatever it takes to mold me into Your image, do. Amen

With love from the Father to you, have a great week ahead!