Linda R. “Reesie” Dillard, age 78, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at her residence in Cochran, surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Cochran. The family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be private in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Reesie spent her formative years in Cochran and remained closely connected to the community throughout her life. She was the daughter of the late Billy C. Roland and was preceded in death by her stepfather, M.C. Sapp. She graduated from Cochran High School with the Class of 1965 and continued her education at Valdosta State College.

Over the course of her working life, Reesie was employed for a time with the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services. She later retired from Burton & Burton in Athens, where she worked as a sales representative. Her professional life reflected years of steady service and commitment.

Reesie was known for the many interests that brought enjoyment and rhythm to her life. She had a passion for traveling and walking, and she especially enjoyed trips that included hiking and time at the beach. Walking was a lasting part of her daily life, and she could often be found making her way around Cochran, sometimes alone and sometimes alongside her mother, Mrs. Doris, her husband, Larry, her daughter, Amanda, or her brother, Dave. She also loved reading books and watching movies.

She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and the 65+ Lunch Bunch. Her love for God and for her family was an important part of her life, and she made a connection with everyone she met.

her husband, Larry Dillard of Cochran; her children, Amanda Dillard and John Michael Dillard of Cochran; her mother, Doris L. Sapp of Cochran; her brother, Dave Roland of Cochran; her uncle, Bill “Bobo” Livingston of Cochran; her sister-in-law, Mickey Dillard of Athens; and cousins, Andy Dillard, Joey Dillard, Jan Greene and Jenny Butler.

In honor of Reesie, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to The Morningside Center for Innovative and Affordable Medicine at Emory University in recognition of Reesie and her courageous battle with cancer. https://giving.emory.edu/products/morningside-center

The Morningside Center is a nonprofit initiative within Emory University’s Woodruff Health Sciences Center dedicated to advancing innovative and affordable treatments by exploring new uses for existing FDA-approved medications, including generic and off-patent drugs, as well as nutraceuticals and lifestyle-based therapies. Its research focuses on addressing unmet medical needs, including cancer.

Supporting this work is especially meaningful to the family, and it is their hope that these efforts will help create more accessible and effective treatment options for patients in the future.