George Michael Dillon

Mike Dillon; former CEO and President of Tom’s Foods Inc. as well as former President of Kinnett Dairies Inc.; passed away October 8, 2022 at Piedmont Hospital at the age of 83.

A service will be held Saturday October 22, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Mike was born in Detroit Michigan to the late Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Joseph Dillon. He grew up in Jacksonville, Florida where he graduated from Jacksonville University and later received an executive business degree from The Harvard School of Business. Upon graduation, he married the love of his life, Arline McFall, and began working with General Mills. In 1972, General Mills transferred Mike and his family to Columbus to serve as Marketing Director of their snack food division, Tom’s Foods. He ultimately was promoted to Chairman and CEO of Tom’s. He also served as President of the National Snack Food and Potato Chip Association during this time. After retiring from Tom’s, he served as President of Kinnett Dairies. Mike was honored to serve on numerous boards including: First National Bank, Saint Francis Bradley Center, Kinnett Dairies (President), and Tom’s Foods (Chairman). He was a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church, The Rotary Club, The Knights of Columbus, The Big Eddy Club, The Columbus River Club, The Columbus Country Club, Green Island Country Club, and The Green Island Hackers Golf Team. Mike enjoyed volunteering and acted as a consultant to assist troubled companies and startup companies. He volunteered with the Service Corps of Retired Executives (S.C.O.R.E.) to assist the startup and growth of small businesses. Also, he utilized his years of recruiting experience with General Mills to help numerous graduating students refine their interviewing skills.

Mike was a beloved husband of 62 years to Arline Dillon, and an amazing father to Michael P. Dillon (Laurie), Patricia Dillon Chambless, and Scott J. Dillon (Donna). Mike loved fishing, golf, and gardening, but he was most happy spending time with his seven grandchildren: Mickey Dillon and Erin Dillon; Ashley Chambless Buxton (Ryan) and Blake Chambless; and Sarah Dillon, Laura Dillon, and David Dillon. He is also survived by his brothers John Dillon (Ann), Dan Dillon (Sherry), sister Marjorie Dillon Parks Hazelwood (wife to the late Jim Hazelwood), sisters-in-law Gail Collins and Margaret Dillon (wife to the late Joe Dillon) as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Joe Dillon (Margaret).

There are no words to express how much he meant to us and how badly he will be missed. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Columbus Hospice (7020 Moon Road, Columbus, GA 31909) or The American Cancer Society.