Obituary Detail
December 27, 2024
George F. Dillman, Age:90
George F. Dillman, a man who lived a life of extraordinary service and achievement, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024, at the age of 90. A true Texan at heart who dedicated his life to his family, community and his country, George left an indelible mark on countless lives. He will be remembered for his leadership, his generosity, and his unwavering commitment to making a difference. A celebration of his life will be held at Prestoncrest Church of Christ, 6022 Prestoncrest Lane, Dallas 75230 on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.
George Dillman was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and Pops (to his grandchildren and great grandchildren). He had an extensive and impactful business and political resume spanning over six decades. He was a devoted Christian man with a desire to serve and help others. George was a mentor, counselor, advisor, and giver to those in need. He was described as a “giant of a man” with a “giant heart”! His wisdom, counsel, and support given to others will be just one part of his lasting legacy.
George Dillman was born and raised in southern California. He graduated from high school at the age of 16, and immediately moved to Texas to join his brother at the University of Texas. He earned degrees in Secondary Education Administration and Business Administration. While at UT, he played football for his much loved Texas Longhorns. Following his education, he proudly served in the United States Navy and Naval Reserve. During much of his early time in the Austin area you could find him preaching at the Roundrock Church of Christ.
In 1961, George married Virginia. Together they raised four children: Leesa, Mitchell, Louise, and Laura. As one of the founding families of Prestoncrest Church of Christ in 1972, their faith and devotion to God was the center of their family.
George’s professional and business experiences were varied and many. They include chairmanship of Bonanza International and the Bonanza Sirloin Pit franchise chain; investor, director, and senior officer in financial institutions; co-founder and consultant to Ninth Wave Productions; producer and distributor of the nationally syndicated American Moment with Charles Kuralt and American Moment with James Earl Jones; owner and chairman of Geneva Basin, a family ski resort in Colorado; an integral part of the formation of the Texas Alumni Association for the University of Texas.
He gave an enormous amount of himself to serving his community and the state of Texas. Some of the highlights of his service include: chairman of the Texas Tourist Development Agency for ten years, appointed by Texas Governors John B. Connally and Dolph Briscoe; honorary Texas Ranger, Department of Public Safety; chairman of the Dallas (Texas) Police Review Board for ten years; chairmanships of the Dallas County Child Welfare and County Health boards; President, Dallas Assembly; board member of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association; board member of the Dallas Chamber of Commerce and the Community Council of Greater Dallas; Commissioner for the Governor's Commission on Physical Fitness, appointed by Governor Mark White; member of the Mayor’s Criminal Justice Task Force; commissioner and foreman of the Dallas County Grand Jury; member of the U.S. Defense Orientation Conference; member of the U.S. Marshall’s Foundation.
George was also driven by a fundamental commitment to excellence in education, and its accessibility and administration. He served on various boards and committees for Abilene Christian University, Pepperdine University, Southwestern Christian College, University of Texas at Arlington, and Dallas Christian Schools.
George’s commitment to democracy and government functions drove him to volunteer in numerous roles. He was a campaigner, speech writer and a member of the research staff for two U.S. Presidents, Kennedy and Johnson, two U.S. Senators, two Senate candidates, three members of Congress, two Texas Governors, and a Speaker of the House. He first attended a Democratic National Convention in 1960 as a member of the Majority Leader of Johnson’s press staff and then every subsequent nominating convention through 1988, as a delegate (in 1968), and then as a senior convention staff member responsible for credential assignments and distribution.
When not busy with work or in service to others, his favorite place to be was in the mountains of Colorado. At a younger age, he enjoyed running, participating in 10ks and half marathons (three time participant of the Pikes Peak half marathon). When Mitchell was in elementary school, he volunteered time coaching little league football. He was an avid reader and had an unending hunger and thirst for knowledge. George enjoyed every minute possible with Virginia, his four children, four grandchildren, and two great grandsons. Other than family, few things brought him as much joy as watching the Texas Longhorns play football and watching and commenting on endless episodes of Shark Tank.
He is survived by his beloved Virginia, four children: Leesa, Dominican Republic; Mitchell, Colorado; Louise, Texas; and Laura, Hawaii; four grandchildren: David, Michael, Krislyn (Matthew), and Laura Kate, all Texas; two great grandsons: Cason and Ezra, Texas; and one great granddaughter (due Jan. 2025), Texas; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Meadie, his brother John and his sister Ruby Bean.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:
Christianworks for Children
5440 Harvest Hill Rd. #140
Dallas, TX 75230
Christian-works.org
Timothy Hill Ranch
298 Middle Rd.
Riverhead, NY 11901
Timothyhill.org
Condolences
Sue GAllivan January 07, 2025
Friends up in Crystal Park Mantiou Springs colo. colorado Springs , Colorado
Virginia & Family I very sorry to learn about George. . Remembering the good times when you first got your houses up in Crystal Park .Enjoyed the visits to . You in my Thought & prayers.
Andrew Coy January 07, 2025
Dear friend Bastrop , Texas
Mr. D and I met under circumstances beyond our control but we remained close friends until he was called to rest. I will never forget this great human being and what he meant to me. He had a heart as big as Texas. If you knew him you loved him. Always offered words of love and encouragement I was just thinking there aren't enough words to describe how good this man was. He loved his beautiful wife Virginia and his children and their children. He was literally just the best. We had stories we shared which I choose to keep to myself but I remember how he always ended our conversations with his 'Make it a good day' which I copied and use it as my final words in my conversations. So to the Dillman family and all who knew him 'make it a good day'.
Bradley Roberts January 04, 2025
Family Friend Sachse , Texas
My condolences to the family on the passing of your beloved husband, father, uncle, and grandfather. May you feel our thoughts and prayers through this trying and saddening time.
Lynn ODonnell January 03, 2025
Friend Lewisville , Texas
Dear Virginia and family. I am so sorry for your loss. You have my deepest condolences.
Sue (Dillman)Conder January 03, 2025
Dillman cousin Cory , Indiana
So sorry to hear of Georgeโs passing. I never had the privilege to meet him(unless it was as a small child), but my father spoke of him. His father Wilbur would have been my great uncle. We were always told stories of the Texas Dillmanโs. I wish I could have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family ๐๐๐๐ป๐๐ป๐๐ป
Charles & Monika Reed January 03, 2025
Neighbors from the Mountains Colorado Springs , Colorado
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
