Merrill Dillon

Merrill Barger Dillon, age 101 of Watkinsville, GA, passed away Monday, September 24, 2018. Mr. Dillon  was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Miriam Dillon; wife, Elizabeth Ann Turner Dillon; brothers, Edward and Frederick Dillon; and sister, Kathleen Fraize. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, George Scott and Catherine; and grandchildren, Megan Dillon and Molly Dillon Miller {Todd}.

Merrill attended Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio and later went to Michigan College of Mining and Technology. In 1940 he joined the United States Naval Reserve and in 1941, after receiving a commission as ensign, was placed on active duty. He served until December 1945 and as a Lt. Commander was placed on inactive duty. He returned to Michigan College of Mining and Technology in 1946 and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering.

After an extensive survey of the southern part of the country Merrill and his wife Ann, whom he married in 1949, decided to choose Athens, GA as their retirement residence. They moved to Athens in 1982 and lived happily there until Anns passing in 1993.

Merrill has been active with the Kiwanis of Athens since 1987, and with the Unitarian-Universalists Fellowship of Athens. Merrill had a long successful career with Park Davis Pharmaceuticals. His cremated remains will be interred in the Ames Municipal Cemetery in Iowa, next to the grave of his wife. In lieu of flowers please make donations in memory of Merrill to the charity of your choice. Lord and Stephens Funeral Home - East is in charge of arrangements.