James Leo "Leon" Dills, 72, of Otto, NC, passed away January 15, 2011.

Born in Macon County, he was the son of the late Roy Lee Dills and Lilly Mae Keener Dills. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Christine Webb and Nellie Mae Carpenter and a brother, R.J. Dills. Leon was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church. He enjoyed gardening and landscaping and he loved to testify for the Lord.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara Lee Cabe; three children, Allen L. Dills and wife Debbie of Franklin, Margaret L. Mason and fiancée David Pendergrass of Otto and Melba M. Justus and husband Danny of Mountain City, GA; brother, Isaac Dills of Franklin; two sisters, Melba Watts of Crestview, FL and Virginia Holland of Maiden, NC; six grandchildren, Tiffany Plemmons, Stephanie Mason, Josh Justus, Jessie Justus, James Dills and Becca Dills and one great grandson, Landen Dills.

A private graveside service was held on Sunday, January 16th.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Lewis Rathbun Wellness Center, 121 Sherwood Road, Asheville, NC 28803.

Macon Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com