Loren Ray Dillingham

Loren Ray Dillingham, 86, of Hopewell, went home to see his Savior on Wednesday, January 13, 2016. He was born May 26, 1929 in Lafayette, IN to the late, Loren Leonard and Dorotha Gustafson Dillingham. Ray attended Liberty High School in Valparaiso, IN and was active in the military. He originally served in the Navy Reserves before being on active duty in the US Army during the Korean conflict. He was stationed at Fort Lee, VA as an instructor at the Quartermaster School. After his military service, Ray settled in Hopewell in January 1954 and married Miss Betty Lou Saunders of Hopewell in April. Ray worked a short time at the Nitrogen Division of Allied Chemical before joining State-Planters Bank of Commerce and Trust. While he was working, he earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Richmond. He later retired from Pioneer Federal Savings & Loan. In the early 70’s Ray was active in the leadership of BSA Troop 924 and the Robert E. Lee Council. He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years. During his retirement, he enjoyed furniture refinishing and antique sales. Ray had been residing in North and South Carolina the last 2 ½ years as his health declined. He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Betty Lou Saunders Dillingham; and brother, Richard Dillingham. He is survived by 2 sons, L. Douglas Dillingham and wife, Nancy of Waxhaw, NC, and Mark A. Dillingham of Washington, DC; granddaughter, Lauren M. Dillingham of Columbia, SC; sister, Beverly Winters and husband, John of Plainfield, IL; and sister-in-law, Mary Jo Dillingham of Spokane, WA. A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church, 401 N. 2nd Ave., Hopewell, VA 23860, on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. The family will receive friends at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 19,, 2016 from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ministries of First Baptist Church. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .