Franklin “Earnest” Dille, 78, of Pentress, went to be with his savior Jesus Christ and the love of his life, Nancy Lou Tennant Dille, on July 24, 2020, with his family and his little dog Blue Boy by his side.
Earnest lived on his farm in Daybrook, for over 50 years, before moving in with his son Bobby Dille and his family in Pentress for the past five years.
He was a coal miner (Eastern Coal/Rachel Mine) and worked for the shaft department. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of American and was the founder of the Hank Hollow Hunting Club. He was a member of the Daybrook Church of Christ.
Earnest loved his entire family deeply and would give them the shirt off of his back. All he wanted in life was for his family to be happy. His smile and joking attitude lit up a room. He did not know a stranger.
He was an avid fisherman, farmer and hunter. He enjoyed watching westerns, reading, loving on his grandchildren and attending their sporting events. He was their greatest fan.
Earnest had a love for all animals, especially his little dog Blue Boy. He also enjoyed taking care of his ducks and watching wildlife out his bedroom window. He loved to trout fish at his camp in Smokehole. He loved traveling to new places with his son Bobby and daughter Joey’s families. He loved going to the Dairy Queen for banana boats and he absolutely loved anything chocolate.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Nancy Lou Tennant Dille; mother, Pansy Foley Dille; father Francis E. Dille; three brothers, David, Dennis, and Arzie Dille; and one sister, Mary Dille Roupe.
Surviving are his daughter, Joey Dille, of Daybrook; son Earnest David Dille (Shannon), of Daybrook, son Bobby Dille (Chris), of Pentress; eight grandchildren, Amber Kavlick (Joe), Amanda Tennant (Chris), Trenten Dille (Haley), Travis Dille (Maranda), Felicia Rutan (Eric), Nancy Lemasters (Jason), Misty Dille, Kayla Anderson (Gary); fifteen great-grandchildren, Audrey, Baylee, Carlee, Kaylee, Gary, Jersey, Jay, Brantley, Chase, Caiah, Hayden Lou, Rylee, Gauge, Beckett and Logan.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Melissa Estep and Katie Goldizenof Morgantown Hospice for taking such wonderful care of our dad/pap. They would also like to thank Clay-Battelle Community Health for the many years of service.
Memorial contributions can be made in Franklin Earnest Dille’s name to Morgantown Hospice Amedisys Partner, 3596 Collings Ferry Road, Suite 250, Morgantown, WV 26505.
A graveside service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.
The Owen-Neely Funeral Home in Blacksville is in charge of arrangements.
