The John Henry Days Committee proudly presents John William “Bill” Dillon as the Grand Parade Marshal for their 25th Anniversary.
Bill is a Talcott native who has been more than fundamental in the founding of the John Henry Days Festival.
1966 was a very busy year for Mr. Dillon, he graduated high school, married his late wife Becky, and joined the US Marine Corps serving in Vietnam from 1967 to1968. He received a Purple Heart for wounds received in Vietnam and was honorably discharged in 1968.
After discharge from the service, he received an Associate of Science Degree from Beckley College. In 1970, he began his career with the US Postal Service in Fayetteville, WV, and in 1972 was appointed Postmaster in Talcott, WV. Bill has also served on the Summers County Board of Education, Summers County Convention & Visitors Board of Directors, Talcott-Hilldale Ruritan Club. In 2008, he was one of ten in West Virginia named to receive the Governor’s Service Award for volunteerism in his community. In 2009, he was inducted into the Mountain State University Hall of Fame and received the Alumni Community Service Award.
Bill is the proud father to John (Morgan) Dillon, Danny (Pam) Dillon and Jodi Bennett and Grandfather to Clayton, Rowan, Olivia, Christian, Dani Lynn, Austin, Ashton and Abby.
Over the years Bill has made numerous phone calls, trips to Charleston, and written letters to the editor to try and get funding and support for John Henry. In 1996, Bill was the advocate for the unveiling of the John Henry Stamp in Talcott. Bill did not quit until the United States Postal Service agreed to unveil the stamp in Talcott, WV rather than in Pennsylvania. He’s organized hundreds of meetings, worked fundraisers, planted flowers, mowed grass and hung flags. He was the voice for John Henry at many school and civic clubs throughout West Virginia. There was not a bigger advocate or cheerleader for John Henry. All of this was volunteer work, and it is a true passion for Bill.
John Henry Days is celebrating 25 years this year and this festival would not be possible without volunteers like Bill.
It’s with great honor that the John Henry Days committee will celebrate him at the John Henry Park that he fought to make a reality. Please join us Sunday, June 26 at 2 p.m. to say thank you to Bill.
