Johnnie Dillon

Johnnie Dillon was born January 16, 1940 in Kirk, W.Va. He died on August 8, 2022 in Livonia, MI at the age of 82. Johnnie married Mary Jo DeuPree on September 14, 1963. They were blessed with 3 children, Susan (Donnie) Ayers, Lt. Michael (Cindy) Dillon, and David (Dawn) Dillon. About 8 years ago he gained another son, Bill (Terri) Wright, when Bill sought out his birth mother. Johnnie’s huge heart welcomed them into the fold. He delighted in showing love to his grandchildren Emma Kate, Morgan, Austin (Bre), Amber (Patrick), and Max. He is survived by brothers, Lee (Faye) Dillon,Henry Dillon, Jeff (Yvonne) Dillon, Paul (Fay) Dillon, Dennis (Billy Jo) Dillon, and Michael (Delores) Dillon. He is also survived by sisters, Ola (James) Nicholson, and Bess McConell, as well as sister-in-law Susan DeuPree (Gloria Brooks) and brother-in-law Jay (Brigid) DeuPree. He has been adored by more than 50 nieces and nephews, their children, and grandchildren. Johnnie’s parents, 3 brothers and 4 sisters were called home to heaven before him. Johnnie had a sharp intellect, was hard working, a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and uncle. He was quick to share his smile, his laugh, or a (long and detailed) story. People loved him wherever he went. The only thing he loved more than golf was his family. He said two of the happiest days of his life were when Emma Kate and Morgan were born. He carried a photo of Mary Jo, Susan, and Michael in his wallet for decades. A day golfing with his boys made him so happy. His early life was rustic. His family home finally had electricity and indoor plumbing when he graduated High School a year early. He loved reading, even back then. After graduating, he entered the Navy at age 17. He spent 3 and 1/2 years serving in the Navy – and didn’t really like one day of being told what to do and how to do it. He moved to Michigan to work at American Metals. He lived with his brother Lee, whom he admired and adored, and Lee’s growing family. During that time he met his love, Mary Jo, while playing and singing in a talented, hillbilly band with his brother, Dewey. He loved to say that no one ever requested a song that Dewey did not know. He was an encyclopedia of country music. After they married, Johnnie worked toward joining the Detroit Fire Department. He had an esteemed 33 year career with the fire department, working his way up to Battalion Chief. He worked a second job throughout his career to provide for his family and to give his children a quality, private school education. Sue graduated from Michigan State with no debt -- despite not getting a football scholarship like Mike. At first, his Polish mother in law was doubtful of his promise. He won her over with his deep affection and respect, and soon she came to love him like a son. His retirement made his family nervous because he was so used to constant, physical work. But he adapted. His home and yard were a meticulous show place. His neighbors would tell him his yard looked like Augusta National. He carried grocery bags of books back and forth to the library. He recently finished James Michener’s Carribbean. He exercised daily. And once Emma Kate was born, he and Mary Jo wintered in Texas every year until Covid. He once painted Sue and Donnie’s house. The fabric of this man’s heart was woven by the moments with those he loved. He returned to West Virginia each year of his life for the family reunion. After missing two reunions because of Covid, he was able to return this year – and it was fabulous. As the next generation branched out, he loved going to the cabins in Gatlinburg, Tenn. to ride horses, zip line, sing, and tell stories with dozens of family members. Time with his siblings always brought him joy. Summer always meant quality family time in West Virginia. He and his many siblings cared for their mother until she peacefully died at home at age 103. His “secret” was – “I loved for my two weeks to follow my sister Antha. She was the BEST cook and always left the refrigerator full of the most delicious food, ready for me and mom to just warm up.” When Susan was 16, he made her rotate the very large, heavy tires on her 1973 Chevy Impala so she would know how to change them & never get stranded with a flat. Her independence and safety brought him peace. He rode Splash Mountain at Disneyland over and over in 2012, getting soaking wet, because that’s what Emma Kate wanted to do. He enthusiastically picked up Morgan after school for years. He adored his one on one time with her. He went to every one of Mike’s football games at De La Salle & then at Central Michigan University (even the road trips). He was secretly pleased the first time David beat him at golf. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren. Over the objections of his wife, children, and caring neighbors, he continued to climb on his roof to clean the gutters, sweep leaves, trim tree limbs, and shovel snow, oh so recently. He would do it for his “elderly” neighbors as well. Johnnie Dillon was a man of strong character and a big heart. His heart was burdened by the trials of this world. If you feel burdened by the situations facing you, please know you are loved. Reach out to those around you. Help is always available. Dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Available 24 hours a day. You matter. You are loved. A Visitation will be held at the R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, 15451 Farmington Rd., Livonia Monday, August 15, 2022 from 2:00 PM until his Funeral Service at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donate to St Jude’s Children’s research hospital. Please share a memory of Johnnie on his Tribute Wall. https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/S3TWJ5KCBL3ZBC8B