Leon McDill “Dill” Allison, Jr. ’38, 94, of Due West, S.C., died June 13, 2012, at AnMed Health in Anderson, S.C. Allison was born in Hickory Grove, S.C., to the late Leon McDill Allison, Sr. and Jessie Whitesides Allison. He married the late Rachel Patterson Allison in 1941. They had a wonderful life of ministry together.
A 1938 graduate of Davidson, he taught high school until he joined the Army during WWII. Allison graduated from Erskine Seminary in 1949. He served churches in Sharon, S.C., Statesville, N.C., and Gastonia, N.C., before 1957, when he was elected dean of Erskine Seminary. He earned the Th.M. degree at Princeton Seminary, 1958, and the Th.D. degree from Union Seminary, 1960. In 1959, Allison assumed his work at Erskine Seminary as vice president and dean for 17 years and professor of historical and systematic theology for 21 years.
He served the ARP church on many boards and committees, and was moderator of synod in 1966. From 1977 until 1993, he was the supply pastor of Generostee ARP Church near Iva, S.C. Honors received by Allison from Erskine College include doctor of divinity degree, 1981; Academic Hall of Fame,1995; Distinguished Service Award, 1996; and Alumni of the Year Award, 2001.
Surviving are his two children, a son, Robert “Bob” L. Allison (Bert), 141 North Woodland Dr., Pickens, SC 29671, and a daughter, Marilyn Simmons (David); a brother, John Allison; five grandchildren, David Allison (Rhonda), Mark Allison (Amanda), Matthew Simmons (Kseinja), Stephanie Edgar (Todd), and Michael John Simmons; and four great-grandchildren, Sarah Allison, Liam Simmons, and Naia and Anya Edgar.