Paul David Dilley, 70, of Ironton, loving father and grandfather, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Sept. 8, 2008, after a brief illness.
He was born Jan. 7, 1938 in Andis, the son of the late George A. and Ruth Willis Dilley. He was also preceded in death by a brother, George Edward Dilley.
After graduating from Dawson Bryant High School in 1955, Dave entered the United States Air Force in February 1956, serving in Japan as a fighter jet engine mechanic. He was honorably discharged September 1959. Dave was well known and admired for his custom paint and original designs on motorcycles and automobiles. He was owner/operator of Dilley’s Bike Shop and Dilley’s Custom Paint and Auto Body Shop, and owner of George A. Dilley and Son Grocery. He was also a professional motorcycle racer. Dave won many trophies and honors through his love of professional motorcycle racing and shows. His career spanned from Higgins Chevrolet in Willow Wood to shop manager at Hez Ward Buick in Huntington, W.Va. He then went on to be corvette repair and custom paint specialist at Dutch Miller Chevrolet in Huntington. Dave continued his love of paint design and auto body by teaching at the Lawrence County Vocational School as auto body instructor through his retirement. He was of the Baptist faith and born again in Christ, July 13, 2008.
He is survived by his five children, Elaine Myers, of Marshall, Texas, William Joseph Dilley, of Charlotte, N.C., Elysia Sue and Paul McKinney, also of Charlotte, Lorna Rae Williams and Paula Georgetta Dilley, both of Ironton; his five grandchildren, Tyler Clayton Morris and Jarret William Morris, both of Charlotte, Calysta MacKenzie Dilley, Kyle Scott Williams and Judge David Williams, all of Ironton and many cousins and very special friends.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Phillips Funeral Home, 1004 S. Seventh St., Ironton, with the Rev. Clarence R. Baker and Elder Ed Kesling officiating. Burial will follow in Ross Cemetery in Andis. Friends may call 12–2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Joe Dilley, Brent Mannon, James Carter, Johnny Bob Linn, Mark Rutledge, Kevin Waddell, Kenny Mannon and Don Mannon. Honorary pallbearers will be Carl Johnson, George Wall, Davis Malone, Charlie Moritz, Larry Dilley, Carl Dilley, David Floyd and Tucker Floyd. Donations may be made to the “Bible Fund” c/o Bikers For Christ, 1306 S. Eighth Street, Ironton, Ohio 45638. To offer condolences to the family and to view a memorial video, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.