Harold Ray Dills

Harold Ray Dills

1937-2016

November 5, 1937 – February 29, 2016

Faithful describes Harold Ray Dills. He was faithful to God and family until his death on February 29, 2016. As a man of God, Harold did not falter in his after the diagnosis of leukemia.

Born in Cullowhee, North Carolina, Harold (known as Ray to his brothers and sisters) believed in the power of family. His father, Jesse Grady, died when he was 7, leaving his mother, Gracie, with 9 children. They pulled together to stay together.

Harold joined the air force after graduating high school and was eventually stationed at Tinker AFB, where he met his bride, Claudette Patten. Her father taught him the sheet metal trade, and Harold excelled. Together, he and Claudette built their business, ACP Sheet Metal. Always quiet in his ways, Harold worked tirelessly for the sheet metal trade, for apprentices he mentored, and for the national organization, serving on its board of directors.

He and Claudette were married for 47 years, and were the parents of Patrice, Jay and Nathan. They were the proud Poppy and Mimi to Patrick and Phillip Douglas, Sophia Dills, Haley and Jordan Belew, and Olivia Dills. Whether driving his grandkids in his Model A, or taking them on vacation, he led by his Christian example. After Claudette’s death, his grandkids waited to hear that Model A horn sound, because they knew they were going for ice cream.

Harold was blessed to marry Linda Hooper Tapp, where they attended Edmond Church of Christ. They loved to travel, and often visited North Carolina, where they recently attended his sister’s 100^th birthday celebration. When Harold became sick, Linda was his tireless nurse and companion.

Harold is survived by his wife, Linda, his three children, Patrice (and Brent) Douglas, Jay (and Claudia) Dills, and Nathan (and Shannon) Dills, and all of his grandchildren and one great grandchild; siblings, Marie Smith, Juanita Greer, Dorris (and Sam) Beck, Claude (and Joyce) Dills, Alma (and Bob) Shuford, and Frankie (and Bennie) Reynolds; and sister-in-laws Paulette (and Gary) Shreck, and Patty Patten, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to UR Special Ministries are appreciated. Viewing will be Thursday, March 3, from 6-8 at Matthews Funeral Home. Celebration of life services are Friday, March 4, at 1:00 at Edmond Church of Christ.