Dillard James Gray, age 99, of Springfield, passed away on February 26, 2024, at Magnolia Square nursing home.  Dillard was born to Alva “Alvie” Gray and Clella Moody on May 22, 1924, in Mansfield, Missouri. He was raised in Macomb and Mansfield by the Moody side of the family. Dillard was united in marriage to Margaret Gardner on September 18, 1945, in Atchison, Kansas.  Dillard and Margaret shared 69 years of marriage before her untimely passing in 2015.  The couple were blessed with 10 children.

Dillard had many interests and pastimes including gardening, swap meets, setting the bar for huge garage sales, stocking his grocery store finds, growing the tallest rose bushes, and fishing.  However, nothing brought him more fulfillment than spending time with his children and many grandchildren, making sure you took home arms full of food or toys. He always had a cup of black coffee in his hand no matter the temperature. Dillard will be remembered as the sweetest, and most generous person you have met walking down the street. 

Dillard was preceded in death by his two daughters, Donna Low Gray and Diana Sue Gray and son, Larry Dennis Gray.  He is survived by his sons, Roger Gray, Harold Gray, Darell Gray, and Ronald Gray; daughters, Martha Smith, Beverly Watson, and Dorthea Venable. He is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

A visitation for Dillard will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield.  A Memorial Service for Dillard will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024, 10:00 am, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North with burial to follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens located in Springfield, Missouri.