Robert C. Philleo

Bob is survived by his daughters, Gay Tipton (Mike) of Ocala, FL, and Mary Sweeney of Knoxville, TN; along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Linda Kay Philleo; his son, John David Philleo; and his parents, Colleen Mann Hamilton and Robert Lewis Philleo.

Bob was born on September 13, 1931, in Warsaw, NY. He was raised near Jacksonville, FL, where he graduated from Fletcher High School. Bob was very athletic, a star on the track as well as an early surfing pioneer using improvised wooden boards. A lifelong Presbyterian, he attended Maryville College in Maryville, TN, his freshman year. The then transferred to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where as an engineering student, he lived in a dormitory in the epicenter of Volunteer football, Neyland Stadium. He was also a lifetime member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

Bob had a long career with Dayco Products, Inc., in both field sales and management. His engineering expertise led to the development of several patented inventions. His career afforded him the opportunity to travel extensively and to live in several locations, leaving Tennessee for Detroit and Flint, Michigan, as well as the Dayton, Ohio area. His final career move took him back to his beloved Florida east coast where he eventually retired and he and Linda enjoyed many happy years.

Bob loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and boater. He also enjoyed camping and had a keen interest in photography. He was a self-proclaimed “wordsmith,” an accomplished writer, publisher, and artist. He will be missed for his sense of adventure and quick wit.

A private Celebration of Life was held in Knoxville. Cremation will be handled by Aycock Funeral Home in Port St. Lucie, FL, with interment at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Palm City, FL. Memorial donations may be made at https://squareup.com/store/bigheadsbighearts/item/bhbh-donation.