Henry Lewis Dillard was born on Oct. 8, 1941, to the late Mrs. Elnora Dillard Smith.

At an early age, Henry joined Metropolitan Baptist Church, where he served diligently and faithfully as a member of the Male Chorus, Trustee Board and Usher Board.

Henry was a graduate of the Booker T. Washington High School Class of 1963. He enlisted in the United States Army, where he served in the Vietnam War. He was a rigger for 32 years at Norfolk Naval Shipyard before retiring in 1995.

Henry was a member of East Suffolk Civic League, Suffolk Elks Lodge No. 206, a lifetime member of BTW Alumni and a member of the Suffolk Community Male Chorus.

Henry leaves to mourn his passing two daughters, Katrina Davis and Tavonda Dillard; four grandchildren, Johniqua, JaMarah, Arnazia and Tanazia; godson, David Hunt III (Tierney); an aunt, Erma Bell; lifetime friends, David and Katie Hunt; caregiver, Anne Staton; and many other family and friends.

Mr. Dillard will be on view from 2 to 7 p.m., and the family will receive visitors from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. A home going service will take place at noon on Friday at Metropolitan Baptist Church, and he will be laid to rest at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy and flowers may be extended to the family at www.cookeovertonfuneralhome.com.