Ted Raymond Dillard, 76, of Columbia, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Born in Leaksville, North Carolina, he was a son of the late Vernie "Bunny" and Lena Dillard.

Ted Dillard would tell you that his name was Ted, not Theadore, not Edward, just Ted. Raymond. Dillard. People would ask what he did, but the answer to that was not easy. He was a mailman. He was a golfer. He loved antiques and once owned his own antique store. Ted was an accredited appraiser who could give the folks on Antiques Road Show a run for their money with his expertise. He worked as a carpenter, as a dock builder, and as a mechanic. He managed restaurants, and bars. He was once head of security at a Nevada Ski resort. Ted even sold electric organs and pianos so well that he won a trip to Rome, Italy.

Ted served in the Navy. He was an athlete, a scholar, one of the most intelligent men you might ever meet. Ted was a wonderful cook, he was hilariously funny, he was his wife Rebecca's knight in shining armor, and was brave in his fight with ALS to the very end. He was loving and deeply loved and so much more than can be adequately reduced to a few words. Ted will be deeply missed by his friends and family.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his two sisters: Peggy Payne, and Betty Culbreth. Ted is survived by his wife of 41 years, Rebecca; siblings, John Dillard (Darlene), Fran Kiger (Baxter "Bud"), Gayle Pearson, Ruby Moxley (Kenneth), and Jimmy Dillard; as well as 13 nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life for Mr. Dillard will be held at 3 o'clock on Monday, May 20th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 2 o'clock at the funeral home. Interment will take place at 2 o'clock on Tuesday, May 28th, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, P.O. Box 758589 Topeka, KS 66675, or The ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 600 Arlington, VA 22209.