David S. Dillon

Published 10:50 am Monday, April 28, 2025

FRANKLIN – On April 25, David Spencer Dillon caught the biggest wave of all time and rode it straight into the arms of his Heavenly Father.

David Dillon, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, pastor, teacher and friend, went home to be with the Lord after a life beautifully lived in service to others. He passed away surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love and dedication that will echo for generations.

David was married to his high school sweetheart and adored wife, Patty Dillon, for 55 years – a covenantal union that stood as a shining example of love and devotion. Together they built not just a family but a community.

In June of 1975, David answered the call of God together with his wife, Patty and founded Rock Church in Franklin, Virginia. He served faithfully as the Senior Pastor for 40 years and continued to oversee the ministry for a remarkable 50 years. He loved his Rock Church family with all of his heart. Through every sermon, prayer and act of service, David’s

David S. Dillon

heart for Jesus and people was evident. He was also the founder and principal of Rock Church School, a ministry he led with passion and vision for 46 years, impacting countless lives through Christian education. He was an incredible principal who loved coaching his own children and many students in soccer and basketball. Students, past and present, will forever be impacted by the way “Poppy” taught, loved, coached and ministered to their lives.

David was a true pastor to pastors, a teacher of the Word and a tireless builder of God’s Kingdom. He loved teaching Bible classes and was deeply committed to raising up the next generation of leaders. He has started several churches in the United States and has a number of pastors that he oversees in their ministry. His ministry extended beyond Virginia to the nations, playing a vital role by sending out Marcus and Jennifer Morris, who in turn founded a local church, school and boys’ home in Bolivia. He led the charge for Rock Church to continue supporting this ministry for over 40 years, which helped plant multiple churches throughout Uruguay, Ecuador, Italy and other nations.

David’s life was vibrant both in ministry and in spirit. He loved running, surfing and playing basketball and was an accomplished marathon runner and triathlete. His joy for life was contagious and reflected the deep well of faith and gratitude he carried daily. He sought to minister to others at every event, both in his community and beyond.

Above all, David loved his family fiercely. He was a devoted father to Tate Ballance (husband Paul), the late Ben (wife Micah) and Danny (wife Jill). His love extended with pride and joy to his 11 grandchildren, who all affectionately called him “Poppy”: Rebecca, Amber, Russell, Emily (fiancé Jackson), Abbey, Jack, D.J., Benny, Stone, Stella and Dallas. Each one was a treasure to him and he took great delight in cheering them on in all their sports events and impressive accomplishments.

He was predeceased by his caring parents, Richard M. Dillon and Sally H. Dillon. David was also a beloved brother to Sandy Dillon (wife Jenny) and Loree Dobbs (husband Cush). Left to cherish his memory are a host of amazing nephews, nieces and cousins.

A celebration of David’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 29, at 2 p.m. at the Ben S. Dillon Life Center, with a reception immediately following in the Rock Barn Auditorium.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of love be directed toward Rock Church School, a ministry close to David’s heart.

Thank you for loving the man who so selflessly loved so many. His impact is immeasurable, and while we mourn his passing, we rejoice knowing he is now face-to-face with the Savior he loved and served so well.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org