Bailey Richard Filkins

Dick was born in 1938 in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, the only child of Bailey and Leila. He enlisted in the Air Force at age 18 and served for 4 years. While serving, Dick was a snare drummer in the Air Force Drum and Bugle Corps. This group of drummers was the first to introduce and perform a technique called “back-sticking”.

At a drum corps rehearsal in 1959, Dick did not imagine that the young woman that walked up to him on his 21st birthday and gave him a kiss would eventually become his wife. One year later he married Dorothy Heller Filkins “Dottie”. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary this past May.

Together over the years they enjoyed golfing, camping, boating, skiing, traveling and attending the home games of his beloved Miami Dolphins. Dick also had a passion for drumming and teaching and directing Junior Drum and Bugle Corps. In 1999 he was inducted into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame, Inc. for his outstanding service. Through his involvement in Drum Corps, he touched the lives of many youth and young adults over the years.

Dick was an entrepreneur. He owned a successful security alarm company in WPB, FL, an executive golf course in Stuart, FL, a drum manufacturing company and a few other small businesses.

Dick loved entertaining… gathering with friends and family. He was a man of good humor. And always wanted to make sure everyone was having fun.

Dick is survived by his wife Dottie and their three daughters: Grace Ann Yeates (Bruce), Tracy Cooper (Kurt), Micki Cox (Sean). He is also survived by 8 grandchildren Brittany Hilliard, Michael Cooper, Ross Cooper, Scott Cooper, Melanie Cooper, Brooke Peebles, Ashlyn Russo and Macey Russo. Plus 4 great children and nephews and nieces.

A celebration of Dick’s life will be held in late July in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the Alzheimers Association.

https://www.alz.org/?form=alz_donate

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howard-quattlebaum.com for the Filkins family.