Michael Robert Dillard

Columbia, SC - Michael Robert Dillard, 66, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on September 10, 2022. Michael was born in Memphis, TN to Robert Dillard and Helen Parker Dillard. Michael graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.S. degree in Computer Science in 1976. He was a programmer for the SC State Government; programming supervisor for Standard Federal Savings & Loan; and held various positions in his 23-year career with Policy Management Systems Corporation/Computer Sciences Corporation until he retired. Michael loved spending time with his family, friends, and pets, which included two beloved horses and many cats and dogs. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law; canoeing/kayaking; University of South Carolina football and baseball; and spending time in the mountains. In his young life he was a musician, loved trout fishing, and was an avid follower of Braves baseball. Michael is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lynn Walter Dillard; daughter Christina Dillard Smith, son-in-law Tony Smith, and granddaughter Mackenzie Smith, all of Columbia, SC. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Mark and Emalee Dillard, niece Amie Freeman (Chris), niece Alison Forbes (Cameron Warn), great-nieces Mia and Abby Freeman, all of Columbia, SC; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Robert and Tanya Walter, nephew Robbie Walter, niece Grace Walter, all of Orlando, FL; extended family Hugh and Anita Smith of Columbia, SC, and Nicole Smith. For the past 11 years, Michael was a friend of Bill W. and developed many special friendships through his association with The Lunchbox Group. The family would like to thank all of the healthcare professionals who helped Michael during his fight with cancer, with a special heartfelt thank you to Dr. Aaron Hilton. An informal Celebration of Life Drop-In will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, September 23, 2022, at Saluda Shoals River Center, 5605 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. The family would welcome donations made in Michael’s memory to The SC Humane Society, 405 Greenlawn Drive, Columbia, SC 29209 or The Animal Mission, P.O. Box 50023, Columbia, SC 29250. South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.