1955-2023

Grady Eugene “Tiny” Dillon Jr., 68 passed away at 1:15 pm Monday Sept. 4, 2023 at his home in Apache Junction, AZ.

Born Aug. 12, 1955 in Dallas, TX to Grady Eugene Dillon Sr. and Betty Hunt Dillon. Surviving Tiny is the love of his life Nancy Mello, his son Grady Eugene Dillon Ill a daughter-in-law Lisa Valenzuela, a grandson Ethan Jagger Dillon of Los Angeles, CA, brothers, Ken Dillon, FL, Gary Dillon, Quinlan, TX, Glenn Dillon, Grand Saline, TX. Sisters Beatrice White, West Monroe, LA, Marguerite Dillon, NY, Dorothy Dillon, Lone Oak, TX, Hazel Dillon, West Monroe, LA, Harvetta Dillon Hart, Sheldon, MO. as well as many nieces and nephews.

Grady was preceded in death by his father, mother and his grandparents. He grew up in Midlothian, TX where he attended school.

His work included former blasting equipment operator, crushing rock, paving at heavy equipment and he was formally a Security/Bouncer/Doorman. The most important job for him was being a proud supporter of the AZ Patriot Guard Riders (PGR). Tiny gave so much of himself to many of us and the Veteran Organizations he supported with the dedication and love only Tiny can have.

“Tiny” was bigger than life and always there, always a friend and always willing to sacrifice for others. He was the epitome of what being a volunteer is. He was one of the most dedicated volunteers and support team member any organization would want. Always on the ready to help. His own words, “I ride in the heat and cold weather, never stop.” Tiny never met a stranger and always made everyone he met feel special. He was a rare person who took the time to be present with you.

We lost a great man who will forever be in our hearts. Grady “Tiny” Dillon will leave us all with a loss that will remain a part of us as much as the joy to have known him for who he was!!

A Celebration of Life was held at the Harley Davidson in Scottsdale, AZ on Sept. 17, 2023. On Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023 he will be Pony Expressed with the AZ chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders to New Mexico where that chapter will escort his remains along with the AZ chapter to Texas. Then the Texas Chapter will escort him to Lone Oak where the funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 10:00 a.m. at Bull Creek Cowboy Church in Lone Oak officiated by Bill “Wildhorse” Wooster. Then he will be laid to rest at Hooker Cemetery in East Tawakoni, Texas along side his parents.

You will not be forgotten Tiny. Rest in Peace.