REV. DR. BRIAN KENNETH DILL, 67

LAKELAND - Rev. Dr. Brian Kenneth Dill, 67, of Lakeland, FL, passed away surrounded by his family on October 17, 2016, following a sudden bout with an aggressive and rare form of cancer.
The youngest son of Kenneth Leonard Dill and Lucille 'Sue' Gibson Dill, Brian was born on February 19, 1949, in Springfield, OH. He met his wife of 45 years, best friend, and inseparable partner, Barbara, at Springfield's Oakland Presbyterian Church when the two were in fourth grade. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Dr. Dill majored in journalism and wrote for the student newspaper, The Lantern. He received his master of divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and his doctor of ministry from Louisville Theological Seminary. During their 42-year ministry, the Dills served pastorates in Park Ridge, IL; Louisville, KY; Virginia Beach, VA; Orlando, FL; and Lakeland, FL. A gifted and entertaining writer, Dr. Dill worked for several years with David C. Cook Christian Publishing Company as an editor and curriculum developer. Dr. Dill was a beloved leader in the communities where he served, participating on a variety of boards and committees including the YMCA. Dr. Dill was a talented musician and his legacy includes innumerable original compositions, including 'Come Sing, O Church, in Joy!,' the bicentennial hymn for the Presbyterian Church (USA) that now appears in hymnals around the world. Recognized throughout his career with a variety of distinguished honors, Dr. Dill held a commission in the honorary order of Kentucky Colonels and gave the invocation at the commissioning of the USS Laboon. Humble, kind, creative, and an engaging listener, Brian will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara of Lakeland, FL; sons Daniel Dill of Washington, D.C. and David Dill (fiancÃ©e Jillian) of Greenville, SC; brother David Dill (Martha) of Carlsbad, CA; three nieces; and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Jennifer Curry Dill.
Brian and his family wish to offer a special thank you to the members and attendees of the Presbyterian Chapel in the Grove for making this last year so special and fun for him. His family also thanks the Florida Presbyterian Homes and the staff members at the Porter-McGrath Health Center for their kindness.
A memorial service, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Mike Loudon, will be held Saturday, November 5, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church Lakeland. Interment will be on a later date at Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield, OH. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Brian's memory to the Presbyterian Chapel in the Grove, 1540 New Jersey Dr., Lakeland, FL 33803. 'Come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord!'

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Published by The Ledger from Oct. 20 to Oct. 21, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for BRIAN DILL

10 Entries

Diane Quick

February 6, 2017

I too, have fond memories of a tall, poised gentleman at Reid elementary and Shawnee high in Springfield Ohio. Always well-spoken, Brian was one of my favorite classmates

Paul & Joyce (& Paula) Neidlinger

October 28, 2016

Our heartfelt sadness on the passing of our Pastor for so many years. He was so compassionate and kind to our family with our many times of problems. Also loved his wonderful sense of humor, especially with Mr. Monkey for the delight of our children before they were excused to go to their bible classes. Our grand daughters Cassidy and Kiara (still in diapers) grew up listening and reading their bibles (now at the age of 14)with our beloved Pastor, adviser, and friend. He has touched our hearts and will be missed forever.

Vicki Esterline Fourman

October 24, 2016

I went to Shawnee High School with Brian and played in the marching band and symphonic band with him. I played second bassoon to his first chair. He was always a generous and kind person and wonderful story -teller. My deepest sympathies to his widow and family.

October 24, 2016

Brian was a great neighbor & friend as we grew up together. His smile & humor was great. After reading of his passing yesterday, I sat & thought about all the wonderful memories I have of all of us at home,school & church, God bless you & keep you & your family,Love, Janet Walls Mundey

Gail Palmer

October 23, 2016

I had the great pleasure of growing up next door to Reverend Dr. Dill (Brian, as I have always called him and still do) all of my childhood years in Springfield and we spent many joyful and happy days, weeks, months and years playing in the back yard or in our homes and especially in the Presbyterian church, Oakland Presbyterian Church, Springfield, Ohio, every Sunday all our youth. I also had the great pleasure of knowing his wife, Barbara, from the church, as well, growing up together and attending youth group. What greatness he went on to achieve in his service and great talents that he contributed so greatly to praise our Lord and Savior, raising his voice in Christian faith, love and leadership.

There is rejoicing in Heaven today! Rest in peace, dear Brian. Until we meet again, my friend.

Vickie Dailey-Tooker

October 23, 2016

I read this with deep sadness. Sending my prayers and sincere condolences to Barbara and the family. Brian was a dear friend as we were growing up. I have thought of him often over the years and wondered where the Lord had planned his path. When reading this, it was a surprise to realize we were in the same county in Florida often over the past few years. There was never a time in our growing up years the Dills and the Dailey's didn't spend time together. Many fun times and laughs, along with sharing in sorrows.
Rest well old friend and will be looking forward to a reunion in paradise! May God send those you left behind peace and comfort knowing you are now seeing Jesus' beautiful face and singing with the best in His heavenly choir!

October 22, 2016

I joined the Presbyterian church when Rev. DIll was at St. Stephen Presbyterian in Orlando. What a wonderful blessing he was. I will keep his family in my thoughts and prayers. Jan Vachon

Christina Bailey

October 21, 2016

I am very sad to hear about the passing of Rev. Dill. He was a great man, a wonderful person and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

David Bailey

October 21, 2016

I am very sad to here this what a man Pastor Dill was. My thought are with his family David & Amanda Bailey

Deborah Zahner

October 20, 2016

I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Dr. Brian Dill and, yet, I am thankful that his struggle has come to an end. I Praise God for Brian's victory and heavenly reward. My love and prayers go out to Barb and her sons. May their grief be tempered with God's peace and comforted always by their tremendous memories of this life so well lived. I was greatly blessed to be the recipient of his kindness and warm friendship.

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