William Troy Dills

William Troy Dills, age 92, of Waynesville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Franklin, NC, on March 15, 1933, to Herbert Dills and Laura Gibson Dills, Troy was a resident of Haywood County and a man deeply rooted in his community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, also his beloved wife, Elizabeth Caldwell Dills; a daughter, Sherry Sherrill; sisters, Lucille Inman and Linda Evans; a brother, Leroy "Slick" Dills; his granddaughters, Anjana Harkins and Keisha Dills Ball; and a daughter-in-law, Rebecca "Jane" Dills. Troy was also preceded in death by his beloved little dog, "Daisy."

Troy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Dills Silvers and her husband, Keith Silvers; his son, Michael Dills; his grandchildren, Michael Dills II and his wife Rebecca, Laura Sherrill, Cody Harkins, and Rodney Ball. He was also blessed with many great-grandchildren, including Taylor Davis and her husband Austin Davis, Dren Robinson, Mea Passmore and her husband Ethan Passmore, Dawson Sherrill, Jace Dills, Austyn Huffman, Luke Dills, Willow Harkins, and Austin and Avery Watkins, as well as a great-great- grandchild, Piper Davis. He is additionally survived by his wife, Joanne Dills; his brothers, Larry Hightower and his wife Norma, Charles "Foosie" Dills and his wife Darlene, and David Hightower; a sister, Flora Jean; and also many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

A hardworking man all of his life, Troy had been employed with The Tannery, Ford Motor Company, Norris Concrete, and Southern Concrete. He spent over 50 years working in the concrete industry throughout North Carolina, from Charlotte to Andrews and Murphy. Even in his 80's, he could be found driving a dump truck for Gary White- proof of his strong work ethic and his love for staying busy.

Troy was known as a friend to all, and he never met a stranger. He was blessed with a warm smile, an easy laugh, and a way of making everyone feel welcome. He especially enjoyed attending "Pickin in the Park", where his love for music, community, and simple joys shone brightest.

William Troy Dills leaves behind a life well lived, a legacy of hard work, kindness, family devotion, and genuine connection. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The Dills family extends a special thank you to the staff of Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehab, with whom he formed close bonds, and also the Haywood Regional Medical Center staff, as well as Four Seasons Hospice, who helped Troy pass comfortably with dignity into his eternal place in paradise.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in the chapel of Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will be in Garrett- Hillcrest Memorial Park in Waynesville.

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is deeply honored to be caring for the Dills family.