Horace C. Dilday, Jr.

Published 11:35 am Sunday, March 16, 2025

AHOSKIE, NC – Horace Christopher Dilday, Jr., a beloved daddy, granddaddy and friend, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, at ECU Health Medical Center in Pitt County, North Carolina. He was born on October 22, 1944 in Hertford County, North Carolina, and lived to the age of 80.

Horace spent many years of his life working as an insurance adjuster, a profession he excelled in and found fulfilling. Alongside his career, he also enjoyed the simple pleasures of farming, finding solace in the nurturing of the land. An avid golfer, Horace could often be found on the golf course, cherishing both the game and the companionship it brought. He also enjoyed playing cards, and above all, Horace loved his cats, who were his faithful companions and brought much joy to his life.

Horace is preceded in death by his parents, Nellie Mae Brinkley Dilday and Horace Christopher Dilday, Sr.; his sister, Elizabeth Ann White; as well as his cherished grandson, Dawson Waterfield, and granddaughter, Hailey Lynn Davis.

He leaves behind a loving family who will treasure his memory: daughters, Sandra Northcott and husband Joe of Ahoskie, NC; Donna Adams and husband Anthony of Leesville, LA; Rhonda Davis and husband Tim of Ahoskie, NC; and Kristina Bracy of Ahoskie, NC. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Matthew Pierce (Brittany) of Merry Hill, Mason Pierce of Merry Hill, Amanda Britt (Ryan) of Ahoskie, Jessica Norrell (Erik) of Fairhope, AL, Tony Adams (Samantha) of Leesville, LA, Matt Davis (Ashley) of Ahoskie, Heath Davis of Ahoskie, Nick Davis of Ahoskie, Grayson Waterfield (Isabella) of Ahoskie, and twins Ayden and Alaina Bracy of Ahoskie. Additionally, he is survived by great-grandchildren Bryce, Briley, Heidi, Harper, Raelynn, Henry, Everett, Jackson, Brooklyn, Lane, Eva, Jackson, and Ada. His sister, Barbara Kay Jernigan of Ahoskie, also survives him, along with a special friend, Teresa Dimick.

The family will receive friends at the home of his daughter, Sandra, as they gather to celebrate Horace’s life at a later date.

Online condolences can be made at www.garrettsykesfs.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC, (252) 332-3122.