George W. Dillard, D.C.

Unconditional in his love, George “Doc” Dillard was a man of integrity, who gave his all in everything he did with an unwavering and optimistic demeanor. With a genuine heart that was as endless as the ocean is blue, Doc touched the hearts of so many within his reach. He was a passionate man, as he was passionate about his family, his friends, his clients and making the most of each day he was given. Doc had a successful business and a man of many interests, but it was the moments he shared with those he loved that meant the world to him. Doc was taken from those he loved much too soon, but those who knew him will forever count themselves blessed to have been touched by such a remarkable man.

The 1950s were a bustling, optimistic time in American history. Neighborhoods and schools were bursting at the seams with post-war Baby Boom, and families moved from the cities to stake their claims on a comfortable life in the suburbs. It was into this period of robust exuberance that George W. Dillard and his wife, Gloria (Pearl), of Manhattan, New York welcomed the birth of their son, George, on January 4, 1953. George was one of five children in his family, the only boy among his four sisters.

George enjoyed an idyllic childhood growing up in the projects of Manhattan, where he wore out his Good Humor Ice Cream Truck and played baseball from sun up until sun down. Much to his dismay, his mother made him take ballet lessons when he was 4 with his older sister, Barbara; and although he couldn’t see it then, it would prove to be very beneficial to his ability as a baseball player. His mom always had him dressed so handsomely too, complete with “spit curls.” It was obvious from a young age that George had an adventurous spirit. Perhaps his mom encouraged this daring nature when she hung him, his sister Barbara and their cousin Jackie out the 4th floor window of their apartment by their feet – just for fun. That would certainly be newsworthy today!

Even more newsworthy was George’s baseball stats – he was the star pitcher of his high school team and his infamous fast ball broke many bats and smoked lots of mitts. In fact, he became known as “Smoke” by anyone who witnessed his fast ball. George also played on the Connie Mack Bush League Team. Although baseball was his passion, in high school, George dabbled in politics too. He led many protests at Plainedge High on behalf of his fellow guy classmates so they could keep their long hair. George was very proud and partial to his long hair, and perhaps one of the reasons he was crowned Senior Prom King. George graduated from Plainedge High School in North Massapequa in 1971, and shortly after, his application for tryouts with the New York Yankees was accepted. He was a lifelong die hard fan of the Yankees.

In 1975, George left New York and moved to Port Richey, Florida, where he worked as an Italian cook at Guido’s. In time, he left Florida for Milwaukee, Wisconsin to start classes at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. However, to complete his education, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia and graduated from Life Chiropractic College in 1984. With degree in hand, George moved back to Wisconsin and opened his own practice in Racine called Dillard Chiropractic Clinic. For 26 years, Doc’s healing hands and compassionate heart touched many lives. On April 6, 1991, Doc’s life took an even more exciting turn when he met Teresa “Teri” Bower at the Hiawatha Bar & Grill, where she was hosting a beer bust to raise funds for local baseball teams. A woman after his own heart, Doc wasted no time and asked Teri if he could take her home, and they laid under the stars for hours that night, just talking. Yet, it took him 2 weeks before he called Teri for a lunch date, but with that, their love story had begun. Doc and Teri were happily married on February 14, 1993 and now own and operate the Hiawatha Bar where they first met! He and Teri were also members of St. Sebastian Catholic Church.

In time, Doc and Teri filled their home with five children, Rebecca, Tyler, Justin, Joshua and Rena, who brought vitality, laughter and busyness to the Dillard household. Having a strong family was always important to Doc. While he was dedicated to his patients and their well being, together, he and Teri created a rich and dynamic family life. He spent his life balancing his professional life with the harder work of a devoted father and husband. Doc loved his children unconditionally, and was so proud of each of their successes and accomplishments in life. For a time, he was so happy to share his love of baseball with his daughter, Rena, who played exceptional ball. She was named MVP several times, as well as Player of the Week, and her team took second at Nationals when she was 14. Every home run she scored, the whole world could see her father’s proud smile and hear his boisterous cheers! Doc would have wanted two additional members of his family to be mentioned – his dog of 18 years, Dovee, and their three year old pup, Noah.

Never letting life pass him by, Doc lived, loved and treasured every day with his family. He was passionate about living life to the fullest, and nothing made him happier than sharing it with his kids. They went on so many family vacations that they lost count. From camping to Clearwater Beach (Doc’s favorite spot), to Caribbean cruises and treks through the mountains out west – they had photo albums filled to the brim with their memorable adventures, which now become treasures of his kids’ hearts. When it came right down to it though, Doc loved being with family above all. The get togethers for birthdays and holidays spent in Florida, these were what meant the most to him. So it was only natural that when Doc and Teri renewed their wedding vows on their 20th anniversary (February 14, 2013) that they would be surrounded by their beloved family and friends.

In September 2010, life took a very difficult turn for Doc when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma (kidney cancer). Ironically, a tumor encased the whole of his T12 vertebrae, which required back surgery and rods placed from T10 o L1. Because of this, Doc had to close his beloved practice. Although his life was now plagued with obstacles to overcome, Doc’s joy and zest for life never dimmed, but radiated from his every fiber. He embraced each day he was given, viewing each as a precious gift to be treasured.

Doc was truly an inspirational man, who touched many lives. His lifelong purpose was to give, to love and to serve – all of which he fulfilled with conviction, love and honor. Doc’s absence will be deeply felt, his bright life extinguished much too soon.

Surrounded by his loving family, George “Doc” Dillard, age 60, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at his residence. Survivors include his loving soul mate and wife of twenty years, Teresa; his children, Rebecca (Michael) Berger of Wauwatosa, Tyler Dillard U.S. Army of Fort Hood, TX, Rena Dillard, Justin Barkley, Joshua Barkley, all of Sturtevant; his grandchildren, Mason, Wesley, and Adeline; sisters, Barbara Johnson, Linda Dillard, Debbie Venezia, and Pamela Jacobs, all of New Port Richey, FL; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Tammy Graceffa of Union Grove, Timothy (Annette) Bower of Mosinee; his favorite pet “Noah”; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 3100 95th Street, Sturtevant, on Wednesday, April 3, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Ronald J. Gramza officiating. Interment will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Tuesday, April 2, at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m.