Joel Dilley

Joel Robert Dilley passed away due to natural causes on 27 May 2023 at his home in Joelton, TN.

Joel was born 1 January 1960 in Beloit, WI, the fourth son of Gerald R. and Dolores (Lippens) Dilley.  He graduated from Jos. A. Craig High School and went on to attend U/W Whitewater.  He proudly served 4 years in the U.S. Air Force spending most of his service at Hahn Air Force Base in Germany, and was honorably discharged.

On 24 January 1992, he married Jennifer Parker.  He was very proud of his two daughters.  Both played on championship softball teams in GA and Joel enjoyed following their traveling team to various states.

Growing up, his passion was sports. He played on Little League, Babe Ruth, Legion and Craig High School baseball teams. His Little League team the “Cubs” won the city championship one year and his Babe Ruth team won the State championship.  He was also named “Player of the Year” for the Big 8 Conference while at Craig.  He treasured the friendships he made – both teammates and coaches.

He cherished the time he spent with his family, especially their annual visits to the Smokey Mountains.

Joel is survived by his daughters Taylor (Gerald) Wright and Mackenzie (Austin) Taylor; mother, Dolores Dilley; brothers Jerry (Sharon); Jim (Jean); Jeff (Peggy); grandchildren Hudson, Gracie, Owen Wright and Sophia and Easton Taylor; Uncle Robert Budd; cousins Rick (Kathy) Drost; Tera Drost; Scott (Marianne) Drost; Carlton (Kris) Budd;  Karen McKillips ; Lindsay (Scott) Ganong; the mother of his children, Jennifer Boswell; many nieces and nephews he stayed in touch with, and good friends, especially Michael and “Splash” who visited him regularly in TN, and Jeff K. and Shaun.

He was pre-deceased by his father, Gerald; aunt/uncle Barb and Leroy Drost; aunt Lois Budd, cousin Tobey Budd.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday 3 June 2023 at Sidelines Sports Bar on Racine Street from 1 to 4 pm. At 5 pm those wishing to attend will meet at the White Oak on Parker Drive where Joel met his friends on his visits to Janesville.

Nashville Cremation Center is honored to be entrusted with handling Mr. Dilley's arrangements. Please visit his tribute page to leave a thoughtful note for the family.