Jay Patton Dillard, 63, of Ashland, Nebraska, died Saturday, March 17, 2012, at BryanLGH East Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.

He was born June 14, 1948, in Lexington, Nebraska to Jehu J. “Jack” and Dorothy R. (Redell) Dillard.

Jay was a 1966 graduate of Lexington High School and the Wentworth Military Academy in Independence, Missouri, graduating as a 2nd Lieutenant. He then went onto further his education at Mississippi State University. Following college, Jay returned to Lexington and worked for his father at Nebraska Alfalfa Farms.

As Jay’s health declined, he eventually moved to the Ashland Care Center in Ashland, Nebraska, where he was residing at the time of his death.

He is survived by two brothers: Brian Dillard of Axtell, Nebraska Brad (Avis) Dillard of Johnson Lake, Nebraska Two nephews: Jason Dillard of Kearney, Nebraska John Dillard of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents.

It was Jay’s wishes that his body be cremated. There will be a private inurnment at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington, Nebraska at a later date. The Family has requested all Memorials to the Ashland Care Center – 1700 Furnas St. Ashland, Nebraska 68803. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please remember the family by posting online condolences to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.