John Cohen Dilday

John Dilday, 81, passed away on April 3rd, 2025. He was born on October 24th, 1943 in Ahoskie, NC. He is survived by his loving wife, Gayle; sons, John Michael Dilday (Ann), Brian Dilday (Koryn), Mark Dilday; daughter, Teresa Scott (Brad); stepdaughters, Shannon Annas (Darrell) & Erin O'Sullivan; 15 grandchildren, Zachary, Ryan, Lydia, Kayce, Madyson, Camryn, Bryson, Levi, Paisley, Gracie, Carolina, Kylie, Kevin, Kayden, & Kinsley. Also survived by: brother, Joe Dilday (Brenda); sister, Alice Pruden, & several nieces.

After attending East Carolina University for several years, John decided to put his feet on the yellow footprints at Camp Lejeune on February 21st, 1966. After his service in Vietnam & several other duty stations, he finished his tour at Quantico, where he proudly played football for the Corp (which he cheerfully recounted stories about throughout the years). Once a Marine, always a Marine, in 2011 he joined the Marine Corp League, & loved being a part of the camaraderie of his fellow Marines. He obtained the PDD rank in the Military Order of the Devil Dogs. As part of the Marine Corp League, he served in a number of positions over the years—Jr. Vice Commandant, Commandant (3 years), Central District Vice Commandant, Aide-De-Camp, & Chief of Staff for the State of North Carolina. He was awarded the Marine of the Year in 2016 for the Tar Heel Detachment.

In his lifetime, he was an avid sports fan, a consummate storyteller, a cowboy movie enthusiast, & was always open to travel & new adventures. He never met a stranger, & was exceptionally outgoing & social by nature. John was a man of great honesty & integrity—values which guided him throughout
his life, and now, his journey continues in the presence of his Savior.

There will be a Memorial Celebration of Life, followed by an old-fashioned BBQ, per John’s wishes, in his backyard on May 17th, 2025 at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Capitol City Young Marines, which was a program very near & dear to John’s heart.

Donations to:
Cheryl Alston
Capital City Young Marines
229 Redberry Drive
Wendell NC, 27591

OR:

PayPal
ccym@capcityym.com