Mr. William Anderson Dilworth

William "Anderson" Dilworth, 96, of Royston, GA, passed away peacefully at his home on June 9, 2026. Anderson was born on August 10, 1929, to the late Charlie and Lila (Yeargin) Dilworth of the Red Hill community in Franklin County. He was the oldest of three children and was preceded in death by his two sisters, Peggy Deitle and Mary Dilworth. Anderson was married to the love of his life, Joel Whitfield, for 73 years. He received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Piedmont College. After serving proudly in the United States Army, he returned to Royston to open the first Dill's Supermarket. Through the years he expanded his business to better serve the community by constructing the Dill's Shopping Centers in Royston and Lavonia, GA. For decades, he continued as owner of the current Dill’s Food City IGA stores. Anderson loved the Lord and was a very active member of Royston First United Methodist Church and Crusaders Sunday School class. For over twenty years, he served on the Board of Trustees for the Methodist Children's Home of the North Georgia Conference. His local service included Mayor of Royston and Royston City Council, Lion’s Club, and Royston/Franklin Springs Chamber of Commerce. He proudly served for many years on the Board of Directors for Tri-County Bank of Royston and Pinnacle Bank. Also, he served as President of the Mountain Bank of Georgia in Hiawassee. At the state level, Anderson served in the Georgia Legislature during Governor Ernest Vandiver's term and on Governor Zell Miller's Commission on Effectiveness and Economy in Government. He also served as director, treasurer, and president of the Georgia Grocers Association and was very active in the Georgia Food Industry Association. He and his wife, Joel, loved sitting on their carport each Halloween passing out king-size 3Musketeers bars to hundreds of children. Being a proud American, Anderson took great pride in sitting at the entrance to Dill's Food City and giving American flags to customers on Veterans Day. Affectionately known as "Daddy D," he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved history, telling stories, offering advice, and was a great source of knowledge. Anderson took great pride in the friendships he made over the years as a business owner and community leader. His memory will forever remain strong for all who knew and loved him. Anderson is survived by his wife, Joel (Whitfield) Dilworth; his children, Melody (George) Biederman of Suwanee, GA, Stan (Karen) Dilworth of Royston, GA, and Tracy (Lisa) Dilworth of Royston, GA; his grandchildren, Anna Dilworth, Claire (Thomas) Bryan, Holly (Christopher) Gamblin, Alan Dilworth, Eric (Brooke) Biederman, Jackson Dilworth, and Ashlyn Dilworth; his great-grandchildren, Maret Bryan, Sarah Bryan, and Kathryn Gamblin; and several nieces and nephews. Anderson was preceded in death by his dear sister-in-law, Jean West. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the following caregivers who provided compassionate care and support during Anderson’s last years: Marty Anthony, Teresa Morrison, Keetan Ravenell and Crystal Sanders. Funeral services for Mr. Dilworth will be held at Royston First United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM, with Rev. Mac Enfinger, Rev. Bobby Berryman, and Rev. Chris Rapko officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 12, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Pruitt Funeral Home in Royston, GA. At all other times, the family will be at their respective homes. Memorials may be made to Royston First United Methodist Church - 137 Franklin Springs St. Royston, GA 30662. Pruitt Funeral Home in Royston, GA is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. William Anderson Dilworth

August 10, 1929 - June 9, 2026