William HARRISON Dillard

William "HARRISON" Dillard was born on July 8, 1923 in Cleveland, Ohio to Terah and William Dillard. Harrison was inspired to take up athletics by Jesse Owens, another Cleveland born track star. Harrison was a four-time track and field gold medalist in sprinting and hurdling events. He is the only male runner in history to win Olympic gold in both dash and high hurdles. He proudly served as a sharpshooter for the famed Buffalo Soldiers, the all-black US Army 92nd Division that fought in Italy during World War II. Harrison enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, watching sports and listening to jazz. Harrison was a member of The Friends of Jazz Club, City of Cleveland Boxing and Wrestling Commission and The Cleveland Sports Commission. He was also on the Board of Directors for the American Lung Association and The Cedar Avenue YMCA.

Harrison was a devoted husband to his late wife Joy Dillard, a beloved father of Terri Dillard, Warren Anthony Minor and Greg Morton and a cherished grandfather of Izmailia Sougoufara, Said Dillard and Nailah Dillard. His memory will be cherished all over the world.

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