William Dill

William Edward Dill passed away on April 8, 2011 at Highland Park Hospital. He was born in Hamilton, Alabama on October 11, 1929. He married the love of his life, Mary Evelyn Riggan, on December 23, 1949 and moved to Illinois in 1953. They built their lives here in Lake County, and their faith led them to the Zion church of Christ. William worked at American Can Company and Johns Manville before pursuing the American dream of building his own company, Dill Brothers Inc. in 1958. He was a true sportsman, and supported various athletic teams in Lake County. Locally he sponsored girl's volleyball, men's softball, and Little League baseball. However his pride and joy was the semi-pro baseball team in the Shoreline Legue, appropriately named Dill Brothers. For over twenty-five years, his players were husbands and fathers first, athletes second. Although this team consistently won national championships, William was most proud when they brought home the sportsmanship award. Several of those players later enjoyed successful careers in professional baseball. Community service was important to him and included serving as past president of Zion Chamber of Commerce, several years as a member of the ZBTHS Board of Education and the building committee of Horizon Campus. Known as "Bill" by some, "Ed" by others, "Dad" by four and "Papa" by seven, he is survived by his wife Evelyn, his children and spouses; Emily and Chuck Johnson, Eddie Dill, Mary Elaine Dill, Kay and Steve Kreutzer, his grandchildren; Tiffany and Adam Johnson, Emmy Dill, Kyle, Trevor, and Dillon Kreutzer, brothers Kenneth, Tom, Ralph and sister Eleanor Inglis. He is preceded in death by his grandson Brent Johnson, son-in-law Robert Johnson, and sister Lucille Smith. Those who knew him appreciated his integrity. He was a dedicated family man, faithfully worshipped his Lord, and possessed a work ethic which enabled him to become a successful businessman. He was a very private philanthropist, dedicated to supporting community projects, awarding college scholarships to many young people, and generously contributed to gospel preachers all over the world. For personal enjoyment, he played golf, loved fast cars and flying his airplane. He was at his best when he could entertain friends and family with his quick-witted southern charm. His family invites all who have a happy thought or story to share about William Dill to celebrate his life at his Memorial Service at Glen Flora Country Club on April 23, 2011 at 1:00pm. If you wish to contribute to his memory, happily donate to those who have made his last days comfortable at Hospice: http://www.carecenter.org/make-a-gift (Midwest Care Center, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview, IL 60025-7635) or visit his tribute page on the Alzheimer's Organization website http://act.alz.org/goto/wedill to donate for research.