William O. Dillman finished his earthly walk at a little past 5 pm on February 16, 2026, surrounded by his family. He also began his heavenly adventure, at the same time, surrounded by family and friends that were eagerly awaiting his arrival at the Pearly Gates. The celebration has started and is planned to run from now thru eternity.
Bill was born on May 4, 1930, the son of Claude and Ora Mae (Salter) Dillman. He was the middle of 5 children, with those being his two older brothers, Durlen and John, and his two younger sisters, Thelma and Carolyn. He was the last remaining member of his immediate family.
Bill married the love of his life, Barbara Jean York, November 24, 1949. They shared nearly 63 years of marriage prior to her death on July 22, 2012. During their marriage you could count on one hand the number of nights that they spent apart from each other. Bill took care of his bride during her failing years and eventual death from Alzheimer’s disease. He said, “ I married her for better or for worse…..we’ve had the better and now we will handle the worse”. He was adamant that she would remain at home, where she belonged.
Bill loved to sing and when he was in his 20’s he sang bass in a gospel quartet. In the 1970’s, Bill and Barb combined their talents with Jim and Frieda Rockett and Bob and Pauline Franklin to form the Bill Dillman Gospel Singers. They sang in many church services, Homecomings and revivals throughout the area, and Bill was most remembered for the song “I Know, I Know”. Bill was the last remaining member of the original group, other than the kids.
Bill spent many years working in the oil field service industry. He spent most of those working as a salesman for National Supply Company. At the age of 55, Bill started Dillman Chemical Company where he finished his career before retiring to Florida. Unfortunately, his retirement time was cut short due to the health of his wife and they moved back to Illinois to be closer to family. His most important accomplishment was talking the talk and walking the walk of being a Christian. He was a deacon at Cherry Street General Baptist Church and a devoted servant of Christ.
Bill is survived by his children, Marcia (Gary) Ridenour of Cape Girardeau, MO; Gary (Mary) Dillman of Carmi, IL. ; four grandchildren, Terri (Troy) Bryan of Jackson, MO; Brian (Katherine) Ridenour of Fort Worth, TX; Jaclyn (Greg) Frayser of Lincoln, NE; Kelsey (D.R.) Mobley of Evansville, IN. He is survived by eight great-grandchildren, Trenton (Emma) Bryan of Sikeston, MO; Tori (Justin) Brown of Holts Summit MO; Evan, Lucy, Oliver and Truitt Ridenour of Fort Worth, TX; Imogene Mobley of Evansville, IN; Maeve Frayser of Lincoln, NE with another on the way! Bill also has extended grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he considered a part of his family; Ray (Shal) Weinel of Carmi, IL; Katie (Don) Davis of Carmi, IL; Skyler, MacKenzie and Morgan Davis all of Carmi, IL; Willa and Kerrigan Frayser of Lincoln, NE.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, both brothers, both sisters, and one grandson, Gregory Dillman.
Visitation and funeral for William O. Dillman will be Saturday February 21, 2026 at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Visitation starts at 11:00 with the funeral service following at 1:00.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cherry Street Church Food Pantry and will be accepted at the funeral home or can be mailed to Campbell Funeral Home, 609 W.Main St., Carmi, IL 62821
