PRAIRIE VIEW – The Prairie View A&M Department of Athletics is saddened by the passing of PVAMU Hall of Famer Ray Dohn Dillon. He was 91.

As one of the initial Panther greats, the Galveston, Texas native carved out an impressive gridiron career on The Hill, becoming the first three-time All-American honoree in the history of Panther Football. Affectionately known as "Tank" due to his physical style of running, he was also a standout track athlete and ultimately earned enshrinement into the Prairie View A&M Sports Hall of Fame in 1988.

Following his collegiate days, Dillon made history as the first black man from Galveston to be selected in NFL draft, as he was chosen by the Detroit Lions in 1952. Dillon went on to also play in the Canadian Football League, where he won a Grey Cup championship as a member of the Hamilton (Ontario) Tiger-Cats. 

Upon conclusion of his playing days, Dillon dedicated his life to giving back and serving the youth, becoming a recreation director for the City of Galveston and coaching at his alma mater, Central High School. Dillon went on to earn a master's degree in guidance counseling at Prairie View and went on to hold numerous roles that firmly established him as one of the most beloved figures in his community.

He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Gamma Pi Lamba Chapter of Galveston, the Prairie View A&M Alumni Association, and the Ex-Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association.

Dillon's family will receive friends during a memorial service and repast Friday, May 14, 2021, 5:00 P.M. at Old Central Cultural Center 2627 Avenue M, Galveston, Texas 77550. Officiating will be pastor Michael Dwyer. Final care entrusted to Wynn Funeral Home. 

PVAMU Athletics offers prayers and its most sincere condolences to Mr. Dillon's friends, family and loved ones.
 

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