Emory Dawson Dillon

DuringWorld War II Emory served with the U.S. Army in a tank unit, in theEuropean Theatre, including the occupation of Germany. By 1945, whenthe left the service, he had attained the rank of Technical Sergeant.

Aftermilitary service, Emory worked in agriculture in the Farmville, Va.,area. He excelled in the development and marketing of a superior strainof clover seed. He ended up with several farms as a result of hissuccess. Long after he gave up this vocation, he exhibited his “greenthumb” with a great vegetable garden that included an advancedhydrophonic tomato bed.

The sea was calling Emory and he movedto Frisco in the early 1960s. He started a successful “drive-in”restaurant in front of his home, but found that his heart was with thebig fish off Hatteras. By the mid-1960s he partnered with Bob Smirnowof “Fishing Stuff” and began running the “Early Bird” out of Hatterasfrom spring through fall and in the Florida Keys in the winter. Duringthis period of time there were many bigger and faster boats, but nonemore popular, nor one that produced more fish.

Emory was amaster with the early “Loran A” and fathometers of the time. He couldfind a spot and, more importantly, he could stay on it! He was the“Mayor of the Rock Pile.” This combined with the ability to teachabsolute economy of movement for an efficient cockpit and to coachmaximum performance from his mates made sure the “Early Bird” Team wasalways in the game. Emory purchased the 44-foot that Sheldon Midgettbuilt, “Stormy Duchess”, in 1977 and this became the “Early Bird” untilEmory’s retirement from fishing in the 1990s.

Fishing with Emorywas a pleasure whether as a mate or party. He was a philosopher as wellas a technician, stressing the beauty of all that surrounds the pursuitof offshore fish. Almost all of his parties were annual repeats .Heinsisted on going the extra mile to give his people the best fishingday possible. He had no patience with captains who did not try as hardand considered them “shysters,” He set high standards for his mates,but in such a positive manner that they all wanted to please Emory,therefore doing the best possible job. No man who fished with Emory isnot the better for it. The success of Emory’s mates, in whateverendeavor they pursued, is his greatest legacy. Every time one of hisalumni looks back at the markers astern, to determine drift, as well asthe markers ahead they will see his face and hear his voice.

Itshould be said that Emory was a good private airplane pilot and amaster of the chess board.  Any friend was welcome to drinks,supper, and a bed at Emory’s house anytime. He had a great knowledge ofmany subjects, great common sense, a dry sense of humor and inconversation hours passed like minutes. He called a spade aspade!  His face and word will be in the hearts and his name onthe lips of all who had the pleasure of his company. He has been lovedand he will be missed.

Emory is survived by his son, Mark D.Dillon, of Farmville, Va., three grandchildren, Nicholas Dillon,Christopher Dillon, and Koren N. Hunt, and four great- grandchildren.He leaves behind, in the home, Vicki Collins, his companion of manyyears.

Any memorial donations may be made to the “Dare CountyHome Health and Hospice,” which, along with Vicki, made Emory’s finaldays more comfortable.
As per Emory’s instruction, there will be nofuneral service. He requested that a small group of his friendsspread his ashes on his beloved “Rock Pile,” which is located 22 milessouth-southeast of the Hatteras Inlet.

This will be done onSaturday, Sept. 28, aboard the Miss Hatteras, owned by Spurgeon Stowe,who kindly offered his boat to be used for a celebration of Emory’slife. The Miss Hatteras will leave Oden’s Dock at 5:30 p.m. and returnat 7:30 p.m.

So, in the mean time please raise a glass and say his name. Emory would like that.

Twiford Funeral Home, Manteo, is assisting the family with arrangements.