February 4, 1968 – July 7, 2024
Gilbert Booker Dillard III, a native of Springfield, MA was born February 4, 1958, at 5:14pm. He was the first and oldest son of Opal Jean Gray and Gilbert Booker Dillard Jr., two first generation college students who met and fell in love at Central State University in Wilberforce, OH. Gilbert was born in Newburgh, NY and spent the first few years of his life in Oklahoma before his family migrated to Massachusetts for work, income, education and to live the American dream. Gilbert was raised in Western MA but spent most summers during his youth in Oklahoma assisting grandparents and great grandparents with siblings and cousins. Thanksgiving dinners were spent with family in Newburgh, New York.
Most who knew Gilbert would describe him as charismatic and smart. He was known for having intellectual and stimulating conversations with family and friends who recognized his gifted brilliance. He graduated from Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, MA and briefly attended Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT before embarking on military service with the United States Army. In January 1977 Gilbert enlisted in the armed services as an Army Nuclear Weapons Maintenance Specialist 55G MOS and was stationed in Germany with 9th Ordinance Company, Miesau Army Depot, West Germany. As part of the NATO Defense under the command of the late General Colin Powell, former United States Secretary of State, he excelled and performed his duty to his country with honor until May 1984.
Gilbert served as an operational clerk maintaining stock, records, accounts and reports on nuclear materials, repairs and inspections of weapons. His knowledge of logistics, safety and compliance was consistently recognized and acknowledged during his tenure until his honorable discharge in 1984.
Gilbert Booker Dillard III compassionately served God, Country, Family and Community. After his military service he worked in Finance as a mortgage loan officer for several Maryland based companies. He ultimately relocated back to Springfield, MA and volunteered for projects with University of Massachusetts Medical School and Bay State Health. He was loved by many and is survived by daughters Gennea and Tianna, mother Opal Dillard, sisters Bonita and Dorothy, brothers Goren ’80 and Gravin. He will certainly be missed.