Richard Henry Wilde Dillard, born October 11, 1937, was an American poet, author, critic, and translator. He held a significant academic position at Hollins University, teaching creative writing, literature, and film studies from 1964 until his passing. Dillard earned his Bachelor of Arts from Roanoke College and pursued advanced degrees at the University of Virginia, where he was recognized as a Woodrow Wilson and DuPont Fellow. His career encompassed various literary forms, including poetry, fiction, and critical essays. He also contributed as a screenwriter for the film "Frankenstein Meets the Space Monster." Dillard was the editor of the "Hollins Critic" and served as vice president of "The Film Journal."

Dillard received numerous accolades for his writing, such as the Academy of American Poets Prize, the O. B. Hardison, Jr. Poetry Prize, and the Hanes Award for Poetry. In 2007, he was honored with the George Garrett Award for Service to Contemporary Literature. His influence extended to many contemporary writers, including his former wives Annie Dillard and Cathryn Hankla, as well as other notable figures in literature. Richard Henry Wilde Dillard died on April 4, 2023, in Roanoke, Virginia, at the age of 85.