Businessman. Founder of the Dillard's Department Store chain. Born in Mineral Springs, Arkansas, he attended the University of Arkansas and Columbia University, earning an MBA degree. In 1938 he borrowed $8,000 from his father and opened a department store in Nashville, Arkansas. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he saved enough money to buy another store in Texarkana, sold the one in Nashville and bought two more in Texas. After buying Blass Company of Little Rock, Arkansas, he moved to Little Rock and established the headquarters of Dillards, Inc. there. In time it became one of the largest upscale department store chains. Dillard married Alexa Skillern Latimer in 1940, and they had five children. He died at his home in Little Rock.
Businessman. Founder of the Dillard's Department Store chain. Born in Mineral Springs, Arkansas, he attended the University of Arkansas and Columbia University, earning an MBA degree. In 1938 he borrowed $8,000 from his father and opened a department store in Nashville, Arkansas. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he saved enough money to buy another store in Texarkana, sold the one in Nashville and bought two more in Texas. After buying Blass Company of Little Rock, Arkansas, he moved to Little Rock and established the headquarters of Dillards, Inc. there. In time it became one of the largest upscale department store chains. Dillard married Alexa Skillern Latimer in 1940, and they had five children. He died at his home in Little Rock.
Bio by: P. V. Hays
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