William Leigh "Doc" Dillard

MANSFIELD, Louisiana – Funeral services celebrating the life of Dr. William Leigh ""Doc"" Dillard, 67, will be held at 2 p.m. today at First Baptist Church in Mansfield. Officiating will be Thumper Miller and Dr. William Crosby. Rose-Neath Funeral Home, in Mansfield.
William Leigh Dillard was born on April 7, 1947, in Pontotoc to Hayden and Virginia Dillard. He passed away suddenly on Saturday, March 14, 2015, in Mansfield, Louisiana, at DeSoto Regional Health Systems.
Leigh graduated from Pontotoc High School in 1965. He lettered in football and baseball all four years, basketball for three years, and track. He served on Student Council as vice-president, Beta Club, Quill and Scroll, and Glee Club.
His calling was to be a small-town physician, where his caring nature could help others in difficult times. In 1970 he began his studies at the University of Mississippi, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and was a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta Premedical Honor Society. He then completed his medical degree at The University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1974, where he was a member of the Honor Council. Upon completion of his internship at Tarrant County Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, 1975, he began searching for a place to call home. Mansfield, Louisiana, is where he chose to begin his practice. The residents of Mansfield gained more than a gifted physician, but an entertainer, confidant, mentor and friend. He not only built an office, but was instrumental in the planning and development of what is now known as DeSoto Regional Health Systems. During his 36 years as a general practitioner, he was the recipient of numerous honors and awards. He was a lifelong member of the DeSoto Parish Medical Society, where he served as president; Louisiana State Medical Society, American Medical Society and the American Academy of General Practice. Doc served on multiple medical review panels, including the North Louisiana Physician Hospital Organization, which is this area's largest PHO. He also worked extensively with Willis-Knighton Health System's development of Managed Care strategy. He served as Chief of Staff for DeSoto Regional Medical Center many times over the years. Doc was named 1998 Louisiana Rural Practitioner of the Year. He also served on the Board of Directors for Community Bank of Louisiana, Mansfield Nursing Center and local EMS, where he was the Medical Director, and was the Emergency Room Medical Director at DRHS. He was also honored to be an assistant professor for the LSUMC-AHEC Program. As well as, the enumerable, selfless, charitable and philanthropic contributions to the place he called home, and the people he called friends.
Due to medical circumstances beyond his control, Doc retired from medical practice in 2011. However, he remained upbeat and positive until his death. Doc was the most wonderful, loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend and physician. He never hesitated day, night, or even on vacation, if he was needed he was there, regardless of the circumstances. Many people say that God put Doc here to work miracles through him. He didn't have one great passion; rather many were woven into his life. Doc was a gifted song writer and story teller. Not only did he have an album called Doc Leigh On Call where he wrote and sang all of his songs, Doc was also honored to have one of his songs, ""No Future for Me in Our Past,"" recorded by George Jones and added to one of his albums. He also wrote many songs that were not recorded, but could be heard around many a camp fire, on many a night. He had a story for every occasion. He was an amazing entertainer no matter when the time came he was ready to put on a show. Saturday was his day to play golf. He enjoyed playing in tournaments and for fun with family and friends. He took great pride in landscaping his yard, and looked forward to spring blooms. Fall was time for football: Ole Miss, LSU and the New Orleans Saints. If there was a hunting trip, he was there, gun in one hand and guitar in the other, ready to live life to the fullest with close friends and family. If there is one thing that could sum up Doc's life, it would be that he definitely lived and absorbed all that was offered. Not many people could put that much passion into 67 short years. He knew the difference between work and play, and passionately tackled both. We are all better for having known and loved him, and there will never be anyone else like him.
Doc was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Paul.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 36 years, Debra; his brother, Mike Dillard of Tupelo; his son Brian Dillard (Jana) of Basalt, Colorado; daughter Missy Lawrence (Chris) of Grand Cane, Louisiana; son, Leighton Dillard of Logansport, Louisiana; daughter Krystin Marr of Mansfield, Louisiana, as well as his adoring grandchildren, Blake, Caroline, Hayden, Alyssa, Laylah, Sierra, Jenna and Jack; honorary family member Mary Huff of Mansfield, Louisiana; and an endless list of friends.
Pallbearers will be Dr. Ben Leggio, Dr. Dennis Kamberov, Dr. Jeffery Evans, Dr. Doug Sawyer, Tony Paul, P.A. and Jimmy Granger.
Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Tommy Brown, the Riemer Calhoun family, Ike and Sherry Smith, Rhonny and Kermie Valentine, Dr. Gil Rew, Ben Rogers, Dr. Bobby Dale, Dr. Fred McDonnell, the staff at DeSoto Regional Health Systems, the whole gang at Mansfield Country Club, all his hunting buddies, ESS, and an endless list of people who know who they are and what they meant to Doc and the Dillard family.
In honor of the kindness and care Doc gave willingly to others, or if you were impacted by him, please pass it forward so that his good will may be felt by others.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Desoto Regional Hospital Foundation, 207 Jefferson Street, Mansfield, LA 71052.