Opal L. Dills

Opal L. Dills, age 100 of Dayton, TN and formerly of Dalton, GA died at her home Monday afternoon March 3, 2008. Opal was born in Ramhurst, GA on September 1, 1908 the daughter of the late Robert “Bob” Flood and Clora (Rutledge) Flood. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Jasper N. Dills, her son, Jasper N. Dills, Jr., daughter-in-law Jenny Dills, daughter, Anna Lee Osborne and her brother, James F. Flood.

Opal was raised in Eton, GA and was a long time resident of Dalton until moving to Dayton in 2000. She was a member of the Eton (GA) Missionary Baptist Church, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Rebecca’s, the American Red Cross and several garden clubs.

In the United States, Opal was the last known surviving widow of a veteran of the Spanish American War with Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders.

Opal is survived by her son, James (Phyllis) Dills of Dayton; 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren and one great-great-great-granddaughter.

Funeral services for Opal will be held Wednesday afternoon at 1:00pm in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Clyde Fitzgerald officiating. Burial will be in Rhea Memory Gardens in Dayton followed by a white dove release.

The family is being served by the Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton where they will receive friends Tuesday from 5:00pm until 8:00pm

Please share your memories on Opal’s on-line guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com