Walter Ralph Dill

Colonel Walter R. Dill, USAF (Ret.), a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and Patriot, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on November 1, 2025.
Born in Augusta, Georgia and raised in North Augusta, South Carolina, Walter's lifelong commitment to service and excellence began early. He graduated from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, in 1970, launching a distinguished 30-year career in the United States Air Force.
Colonel Dill served as an Instructor Pilot, Flight Commander, and T-38 Instructor Pilot, later joining KC-135 Combat Crew training as an instructor. His leadership and expertise earned him assignments across key Air Force operations, including his role beginning in 1980 as the Headquarter Tanker Career Management Staff Officer at the Air Force Manpower and Personnel Center. Throughout his career, Colonel Dill received numerous awards and honors recognizing his outstanding service and skill.
Under his commanded, his teams were awarded the Coveted Ted Ellis Trophy for best KC-10 team and the prestigious Spaatz Trophy for the best refueling squadron in the entire U.S. Air Force - an honor achieved in three separate years under his leadership. His professionalism and dedication were further recognized with his promotion to the rank of Colonel in 1991.
Following his retirement from active duty, Colonel Dill continued his passion for aviation as a DC-10 pilot and flight engineer instructor in the training department at FedEx Express. He then was a corporate pilot for senior executives at FedEx corporation where he was admired for his precision, reliability, and mentorship.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Walter was known for his humility, kindness, and devotion to family; in his free time Colonel Dill enjoyed ball room dancing as well as spending early mornings on the golf course. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn Dill, their two children, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren - all of whom were his greatest pride and joy.
He is preceded in death by both of his parents Walter Lewie & Mary Elizabeth Dill, one sister, and one brother.
Colonel Dill's legacy of service, leadership, and love will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. His family takes comfort in knowing he has taken his final flight home.
Inurnment for Colonel Dill is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on November 14, 2025, at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL. Family and friends are invited to a visitation at the First Baptist Church of Ashville from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with a Celebration of Life Service to follow immediately afterward.