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SAMUEL DILLARD Obituary

New Jersey, Northfield - Samuel Frank Dillard, age 42, died at home sur rounded by family on Saturday, March 3, 2012. Born, August 13 in Atlanta, GA, he lived in Signal Mountain, TN, Memphis, TN, and Winter Haven, FL before relocating to Northfield. He graduated from Red Bank High School in 1987 and from the University of Memphis with a BBA degree in 1991 and an MBA degree in 1993. He worked for Caesars Entertainment for 17 years in information technology. He was a faithful member of The United Methodist Church at Absecon, where he participated in the choir and two mission trips to Guatemala. He also actively participated in numerous local Boy Scout activities with his son, Thomas. Survivors include: his wife, Janet Courdin Robey Dillard; Robert Thomas Dillard, his son; Barry L. Dillard of Hendersonville, TN, his brother; Scarlett Dillard Yrigoyen of Mexico City, his sister; Fern Laurel Dillard of Cordova, TN, his sister; Jeanette M. Fonville of Tunnel Hill, GA, his mother; and Frank Thomas Dillard of Signal Mountain, TN, his father. Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 6 from 2-3:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of The United Methodist Church at Absecon. The funeral service will be held at the same location at 3:30 pm., followed by burial in the adjacent church cemetery. Memorials gifts may be given to The United Methodist Church at Absecon for the benefit of ASELSI Ministries-Guatemala. The church is located at 100 Pitney Road, Absecon, NJ, 08201. Arrangements by: George H. Wimberg Funeral Home, Linwood, NJ. (609)653-1881

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Published by The Commercial Appeal on Mar. 6, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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Stacey Eisenlohr

February 27, 2025

Love and hugs to Janet and Thomas. Sam will never be forgotten.

Stacey Eisenlohr

February 28, 2024

Dear Janet & Thomas & family- still remembering what a special man we had in our midst! Sending comforting prayers to you. Every day is one day closer to Heaven. Love, Stacey

Stacey Eisenlohr

February 27, 2023

Remembering wonderful Sam and the amazing impact he had on so many lives. He will always be missed! Certainly his legacy lives on and I look forward to all of us reunited someday in Glory. Love, prayers and hugs to Janet and Thomas. So glad to have known this sweet man! Stacey

Stacey Eisenlohr

February 27, 2022

Honoring the memory of a sweet and special man who´s life impacted so many for the good. Love to Janet and Thomas as they mourn his loss but look forward to our Heavenly reunion

Stacey Eisenlohr

February 27, 2021

Sam will always be remembered for his kind and generous heart. Looking forward to our great reunion in Heaven with our Lord and Savior. Love and prayers to Janet, Thomas, and the many friends he left behind.

Wendy Fidance

March 12, 2012

To the Dillard family; my thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time and always.
I was so saddened to hear of Sam's passing. It was a true pleasure to have known and worked with such an exceptional man, he will be greatly missed.

Judy Simon

March 11, 2012

I am among the many who are saddened by the news about Sam. I was privileged to know Sam while he was at the University of Memphis and to experience his great personality, winning smile, and long-term willingness to serve others. He continued to stay in contact and to support activities at the University of Memphis, even after his move to New Jersey. We have been blessed to have had the opportunity to know him as a student and as a graduate. He will be remembered fondly.

Dave Lara

March 8, 2012

Sam was a perfect gentleman and consummate professional. Very friendly and outgoing. He always made you feel at ease when he walked into the room. Always wanting to help even with the smallest problem.You will be missed by all and we will never forget you.

Ann and Paul Gillmore

March 8, 2012

Dear Janet and Thomas, Sam was truly exceptional, gracious in all that he said and did. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Ken and Carmen Hirst

March 8, 2012

Janet and Thomas,
Our profound and deepest sympathy. Your husband and father was a good family man, a consummate professional, a gentleman and a person filled with spiritual faith. He will be missed by those he touched during his brief time on earth. God needed another angle by his side. May Sam rest in peace and God keep you close in HIS comfort.

Lance Ewing

March 7, 2012

He always had a smile when he worked at Harrah's and Caesars. He will be missed by many. God bless.

Wanda Bates

March 7, 2012

I'll never forget my first day at Harrah's when I met Sam. He was the nicest man and welcomed me with such a genuine smile that I felt at home. He was a wonderful man and it was a pleasure to have known him.

Pat Watts

March 7, 2012

Dearest Sam, it was my privilege to work with you at Harrah's in Memphis. From the very first day you were hired, we all knew you were special. It wasn't long before it was apparent that you were exceptional not only in your professional dealings but in your personal relationships as well. You were the one everyone wanted to work for and with! You inspired so many with your caring, mentoring leadership style and your "get it done" attitude. Though it has been some years since we last worked together, I have remembered you many times, since you are that shining example that one refers to often. Oh, how you will be missed! Janet and Thomas, my heart breaks for you. May God bless you and keep you close in His comfort.

Marie Dabney and Family

March 7, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers to Sam's family, during this difficult time. May God continue to comfort and strenghten each of them daily.

Amanda Perry

March 7, 2012

Janet - my dear friend. When I heard the news about Sam I was shocked. I can't imagine how you must be feeling. Please know you and all your family are in my prayers. Love you

Lady Nellis

March 6, 2012

Janet,
I am so sorry about Sam's death -- taken much too young. Know that you and Thomas are much in my thoughts. I pray for your comfort, strength and peace.

Pankaj Patel

March 6, 2012

It's hard to put into words the emotions one feels when someone you know passes away so young and so suddenly. Sam was one of the managers who interviewed me for my job… it did not feel like a interview but a conversation one would have with a friend. May god bless you and your family. You will be greatly missed.

Shashi Birla

March 6, 2012

Sam was such a special person that no words are adequate. He was a wonderful caring friend and mentor to me, working with him was delightful. He will be greatly missed.
Janet and Thomas – My thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult time.

Barbara

March 6, 2012

It was an honor and a pleasure to have had the opportunity to work with Sam. He was, quite simply, a fine human being who was taken from us too soon and will be greatly missed.
I will keep you all in my prayers.

Celeste Miller

March 6, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with the Dillard family. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Sam, on more than one occasion he was the voice of calm and reason. May God comfort the Dillard family during this difficult time.

Cindy Hairston

March 6, 2012

We are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. May the Lord give you the strength that you need.

Mark Melton

March 6, 2012

Janet and Thomas, what at shock to learn of Sam's death. May the peace and strength of God sustain and uphold you in the days ahead. Know that you will be held up in prayer by your friends in the Christ Methodist Chancel Choir.

Cindy Pace

March 6, 2012

Janet, My deepest sympathies and warmest prayers are with you at this difficult time. Regards, Cindy Pace (Zanone)

Janice Lehmann

March 6, 2012

Janet - I am so sorry for your loss! My heart breaks for you and Thomas. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers and I am here if you need anything, especially anything here in Arkansas. Love you!

Janice Brown Lehmann

March 6, 2012

Janet and Thomas,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hold fast to your friends and family and your Heavenly Father. God Bless.
Lisa, Loyal and Patrick Murphy

Carolynne Pfeifer

March 6, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with Sam's family at this most difficult time. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Sam several times on various projects while I was at the Casino Control Commission. He was always so patient with my learning curve....such an intelligent, warm and caring person! He will be greatly missed.

Ginger Ryan

March 6, 2012

I worked with Sam on many issues over the years and he was a kind, thoughtful, intelligent person. My thoughts and prayers go to Sam's family and friends.

Luette Loop

March 6, 2012

My prayers go out to the Dillard family. I was honored to have crossed paths with such fine southern gentleman and leader. He was the voice of reason on so many occasions; whether in the middle of night on a P1 call or during a casual conversation, he always added the right focus. Sam will be truly missed by many. Rest in peace.

Cindi Dulin

March 6, 2012

It is because of Sam that I have grown into the person I am today. He was my mentor and my friend. I will miss you.
Janet, Thomas, my prayers are with you.

Scott Eisenlohr

March 6, 2012

Sam always had a smile for you even when he was sick. Sam was a faithful Christian and the way Thomas responded to him, told you everything you needed to know about Sam. It is a great loss. Our prayers to Janet and Thomas. Scott, Stacey and Julie Eisenlohr

Rosie Cope

March 6, 2012

To the Dillard Family,
I feel fortuante to have had the opportunity to work with Sam. Please know I will keep your family in my prayers. My deepest sympathy.
Rosie Cope

Velinda Ward

March 6, 2012

I had the privilege of working with Sam on projects for his property in Atlantic City. He was always very professional, thorough and respectful. I am honored to have met him wish his family the best. God Bless you Sam. Velinda Ward (Las Vegas, NV)

Dona Kambeyanda

March 6, 2012

Sam - you will be missed so dearly by so many. Your support was felt every day by everyone you worked with, and there are no words to describe how positively you have impacted my life. Much love and great respect for you always. We will miss you so much!
Janet and Thomas - our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Armaan, Gurtej and Dona

Barb and Jane Foster-Guthrie

March 6, 2012

Sam brightened our lives as well as the lives of our church family and congregation. We will miss seeing Sam's smiling face in the choir. Our love and prayers to Janet, Thomas and their families.

Phil Andersen

March 6, 2012

Sam was an outstanding person and will be dearly missed.

Linda

March 6, 2012

I feel honored to have known Sam, he was an inspiration to those lucky enough to work with him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Janet, Thomas and his entire family. May you find comfort that he is in the arms of his Savior. Rest in peace Sam. You will be missed by so many.

Rachelle Faherty

March 6, 2012

Sam was a great boss and leader. I had the privelage of working in his organization at Harrah's. He truly will be missed by many. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Look forward to seeing you again in his presence. God Bless

Don Collins

March 6, 2012

He was a role model and the guy who seemed to always have the answer when you needed help. Will miss you Sam!

Patty Gatens

March 5, 2012

For as long as I can remember, Sam has been a consumate business professional and more importantly, a kind and well-respected person. I will miss him and my sympathy to all who knew him. He simply made the world a better place.

nick m smith

March 5, 2012

Life is so precious!! Here today, gone tomorrow!! It was a pleasure working with Sam @ Aselsi..He was always mindful to try to do whatever task was @ hand with perfection...We all know that the Lord has called him up to do HIS work...RIP Sam....

Clare Pavis

March 5, 2012

I had the honor and privilege of serving with Sam on two mission trips to Guatemala. He was a true inspiration to me and touched my heart in so many ways with his unique sense of humor and wisdom. Sam will be missed greatly! My prayers go out to Janet, Thomas and the whole Dillard family. May they find peace and comfort knowing Sam was a good and faithful servant of God.

March 5, 2012

I visited with Sam over the phone and in person a few times while working for Harrah's - Thoughts and prayers to the family Rest In Peace Sam...

Tina Sanders

March 5, 2012

I am so saddened by the untimely death of Sam. He was a true professional and wonderful to work with. May God comfort the Dillard family during this difficult time.

Rico

March 5, 2012

Sam - you will be missed. I had the pleasure of working with Sam for many years, always a professional, an excellent guy. Thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Debbie Sterbin

March 5, 2012

I am so sad. I miss Sam and my heart hurts for Janet and Thomas. We will all miss him so much.

Mylka Naranjo

March 5, 2012

The measure of one's success is not in the material possesions he acquires, but in the impact that he made on those he encountered. The Dillard family should be proud that Sam's imprint on all those he touched will remain forever. He will be truly missed but never forgotten.

Linda Valente-Rose

March 5, 2012

My sincere sympathy to Sam's family. I'm shocked and saddened by the news but will remember Sam as a caring individual, gentleman, and true professional. He was never too busy to lend a hand or offer a solution to an issue. May his family find peace knowing he touched so many lives in a positive way.

Donna Wessler

March 5, 2012

Sam, thank you for coming into my life all those years ago at Harrah's, because of you I am where I am today.. Thanks for always being there whether it was with words of advice, sharing a recipe, or being on all those late night P1 calls...You dazzled everyone with your brilliant mind and your compassion for people less fortunate than yourself. The world has surely lost a shining star… Thanks for the last 11 years, and although I will miss you everyday it's nice to know there is an angel up there cheering for me.... Rest well Sam... Janet and Thomas are in good hands down here thanks to you....

Sherry Davis

March 5, 2012

I'm at a loss for words. Sam will so be missed. I had the pleasure of working with him for several years. He touched so many lives. My thoughts are with you.

Patti Lee

March 5, 2012

Sam lived his life as a leader in every sense of the word; professionally, spirtually, civically, and as a family man. Such a shame he was taken from this world so early. I'll never forget him singing a BBQ song with a pignose costume -- what a voice he had. My prayers go to his family in this time of grief.

Brant Ueckert

March 5, 2012

My thoughts and prayers go to you his family. Smart, funny , grounded and an inclusive figure in all aspects were just a few of his great qualities. He was a true leader and teacher. He will be greatly missed.

Katrina Morroni

March 5, 2012

Prayers being sent to Janet and Thomas and the entire family. There are not enough words that can truly describe the gift Sam brought to this earth. Sincere condolences

Marlene Stickney

March 5, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with the Dillard family. Words cannot express the sadness we are all feeling. I am thankful that he came into my life.

Sam Kaufman

March 5, 2012

Sam will be missed. I had the pleasure of working with him at Caesars. One of the most humble, and nicest men I've ever met. My prayers go out to his family, he will be missed.

Liz Houston

March 5, 2012

I am deeply saddened at the news of Sam's passing. Sam was more than a friend. He was family. He was always joyful and positive and just brought light to into any situation. He was always giving of himself to others. Working with him was delightful. He was the kind of person you always wanted around. He touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with whether it was knowingly and not. His life was a testament of his faith and commitment to serve. He will truly be missed. My prayers are with the family. May God strengthen you and may you find comfort in knowing that to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord. Sam's memory will live on in the lives of others throughout the USA.

Vicki Scott

March 5, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you journey through this difficult time. May God bless you.

Ron Abernathy

March 5, 2012

Janet, I am so saddened to learn of Sam's passing. My prayers and love to you and your family. I feel very blessed to have been friends with Sam as he was an amazing person. God's blessing to you in this time of grief as I am positive Sam is with the Lord and now watching over your family. Ron & Diane Abernathy

Tracy Ricketts

March 5, 2012

Janet and Thomas -
I cannot begin to express my sorrow in words. Sam meant so very much to me. Please know that he touched the lives of all those he met and worked with. My thoughts are with you in this most difficult time.

Michael Anderson

March 5, 2012

Janet & Thomas -- my heart goes out to you and Sam's family -- I am so sorry for your loss. Sam was a true professional and a bright and caring man who added value to any situation. Michael Anderson (Las Vegas & Linwood)

March 5, 2012

Janet and Thomas, we are so sorry for your loss. Sam was an incredibly loving and selfless man who will be missed by many. We are blessed for having had him in our and Bradford's lives. Our prayers are with you. God bless. Rich, Dianna and Bradford

March 5, 2012

Dear Janet and Thomas,
There are no words to express our shock and saddness over the passing of Sam. He lived his life as a true gentleman and he will be deeply missed. We wish you strength and comfort during this difficult time. All our love, Michael & Heidi Anderson

Christine Schrum

March 5, 2012

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. My God provide you with peace, comfort, and the strength to get through this most difficult time. It was a pleasure working with Sam in AC. He always had a very cheerful attitude and was always genuinely concerned about his employees. He will be greatly missed.

Tricia Amorosi

March 5, 2012

We will all miss you Sam , Your smile and your love of life was encouraging to us all. You always had a kind and positive outlook on everyone and everything. Rest in Peace
Tricia Amorosi

Tricia Amorosi

March 5, 2012

We will all miss you Sam , Your smile and your love of life was encouraging to us all. You always had a kind and positive outlook on everyone and everything. Rest in Peace
Tricia Amorosi

March 5, 2012

Sam lived each day as if it were his last. He will be dearly missed. JoAnn Starcevic, Memphis

Cliff and Elizabeth Matthews

March 5, 2012

Janet and Thomas, there are no words to express our sorrow. The world is a much sadder place without Sam in it. Please know our prayers are with you all, today tommorrow and always. We love you all.

Colleen Cutler

March 5, 2012

I am so sorry for the pain you are experiencing with the loss of Sam. He was such a great guy and I enjoyed working for him in Memphis. My prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time.

Tracie Monroe

March 5, 2012

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Dillard family. Sam was a very thoughful and kind man. He showed concern for people in need and his giving spirit displayed throughout our workplace. He will be greatly missed.

bruce mcdaniel

March 5, 2012

Another bright light moved out of this life. I am privileged to have known and worked with him since he came to Atlantic City. He will be sorely missed.

DeHaven Graham

March 5, 2012

We will all miss you Sam, thanks for giving me the opportunity to work under with you!

Agnes Arsenis

March 5, 2012

Sam,
We will miss you greatly! You were the perfect gentleman, host, neighbor and friend. It was too short the amount of time we knew you, but you captured our hearts with your kindness and warmth. We will always rememberhow you fed-exed your house key when you and Janet and Thomas were away during hurricane Irene so that our family would be safe in your generator-ready house! We will miss you so very much!
All our love, Pete, Aggie, Christy, and Stacy Arsenis

Michele McCants

March 5, 2012

Sam I am going to miss you, I am thankful that I had the opportunity to know you as more than my manager, but as my friend. If I had to use one word to describe you it would be Excellence. You demonstrated Excellence in character, work ethic, community, family, and faith.

My peace is in knowing that our savior has welcomed you home and you have heard the words well ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

Your legacy will outlive us as the story of your life is told from one generation to another.

Janet, and family May the Peace of God that surpasses all understanding be with you now and always. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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