David Dillard of Kingsland, Texas, passed away in Austin, Texas, at the age of 71, surrounded by his loved ones.
A graduate of Stanton High School, David spent much of his early adult life working in the oil fields of West Texas. His true adventures began when he discovered a passion for skydiving. A founding member of Skydive Westex in Stanton, he completed more than 5,300 jumps from “perfectly good airplanes.” Over the years, he became an instructor, tandem master, rigger, and held several other ratings. He also managed Skydive Texas, Skydive Denton, and Skydive San Marcos through the early 2000s. Skydiving was one of his greatest joys, and he loved sharing that passion with others.
When his feet were on the ground, David was rarely far from one of his beloved Harley-Davidson motorcycles. For more than 30 years, he rode the highways between West Texas and the Hill Country, often chasing his grandchildren or nephews to cheer them on under the Friday night lights, around the baseball diamond or chasing a round ball up and down the court. Each of their many accomplishments made him so proud. David also had a deep respect for firearms, becoming an avid collector and marksman, and took every opportunity to teach his children, grandchildren, and others the importance of gun safety.
David was known for his quick wit, sense of humor, and even bigger smile. Even in his final days, he made those around him laugh and reminded them of his love. He never realized just how deeply he was loved in return. Humble to the core, David never wanted anything for himself but always made sure others were taken care of—he would give his last dollar to help someone in need.
He is survived by his wife, Fawn Dillard of Kingsland, and his two fur babies, Flea and Turtle. He also leaves behind his beloved brother, Lance Dillard (Jil) of Llano; his daughter, Lorie Mahan (Jason); his son, Chad Dillard (Micki), all of Stanton; and his grandchildren, Devan, Mya, and Kyren Simpson, Braxton and Ryder Dillard, and Cayden and Natalie Mahan. If you knew David for even a few minutes, you knew how much his children and grandchildren meant to him—they were his reason for living.
David is also survived by his nephews and nieces: Blake, Jackson, Marsha, and Melissa Dillard; Ethan and Emily Holland; his uncle, Mickey (Jerry) Dillard of Millersview; his many special Dillard cousins; and extended members of the Briggs family.
Additional survivors include his mother-in-law, Mary “Punky” Briggs; and his sisters-in-law, Shana Pitts (Dennis) and Tami Graham (Bruce).
He was preceded in death by his parents, J.R. and Mary Jane Dillard of Llano; his brother, Dusty Dillard of Austin; his granddaughter, Madyx; and his beloved chihuahuas, Shocker, Harley, and Nikki.
David will be remembered every time someone looks up at the beautiful skies over Texas—“Blue Skies forever, DD.”
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Franklin of Kingsland, the employees at Centex Construction, BSW Hospital in Round Rock, and Beacon Hospice for their care and kindness.
David Dillard’s Celebration of Life:
Will be held on Wednesday, 9/24/25 from
2-4PM. The celebration will take place at:
Kingsland Community Center
3451 Rose Hill Drive
Kingsland, TX 78639
In lieu of flowers:
Donations can be made in his honor:
Austin Pets Alive:
https://www.austinpetsalive.org/donate
Cherokee Home for Children:
https://secure.everyaction.com/9TTbsQ3VHEStHUXK_lQLpQ2
International Skydiving Museum and Hall of Fame:
https://skydivingmuseum.org/donate/general-donations