OBITUARY FOR A LIFE WELL LIVED

It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of Michael W. Fillion on November 5, 2024, at the age of 74, in Orlando, Florida. He passed away peacefully at home after a long health battle after several strokes.

Michael is survived by his Sister, Laurie Phillips (Ed) of Orlando, Sister, Nancy Donaldson (Chuck) of Orlando, Niece, Amber Lopez of Winter Springs, Niece, Courtney Hamric (Travis) of Winter Garden, Nephew, Cody Donaldson (Brennan Williams) of Dania Beach, Great-Nephew, Wick Hamric of Winter Garden, and Stepmother, Betty Fillion of Orlando. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Yvette Lucille Lafay Fillion Ramsey, his Father, Wilfred Anthony Fillion, his Stepfather, Garland W. Ramsey, his Sister, Kathleen Fillion, and his Great-Niece, Olivia Lopez.

A special thank you to Nico, Michael's aide, for his unwavering friendship, loving support, and exceptional care of Michael.

Michael was born on May 4, 1950, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island to Yvette Lucille LaFay Fillion and Wilfred Anthony Fillion. He graduated from Seminole High School in 1968 where he excelled in band and entered the U.S. Army in 1969 where he graduated from the Chaparral/Vulcan Crewman Course at the U.S. Army Training Center (Air Defense) at Fort Bliss, Texas. He was assigned to Battery B, 4th Battalion, 1st Advanced Individual Training Brigade.

He was previously married to Vickie Lee and Jacquelin Bolton.

Michael was a substitute teacher and a mentor to many young people.

Michael started playing drums and repairing them when he was sixteen and formed a business called "The Drum Doctor" where he repaired drums for the School District all over the State of Florida. He also repaired drums for Neil Peart (Rush), Alex Van Halen (Van Halen), Kenny Jones (Small Faces, Faces, the Who), Mark Herndon (Alabama), Roy Burns (percussion manufacturer), Louie Bellson, Jr. (Count Basie Orchestra), and many others. He still has two of Bruce Crump's (Molly Hatchet) drums.

Michael played a big part in the music industry. He was recognized by Slingerland, Ludwig, Zildjian and Sabian for his drum repair and knowledge and they would often send him a drum, a drum part or cymbal to give his opinion. He also patented a new style of drum pedal.

Michael was a member of the Spurrlows, the Van Dells, Eddie & the Drop-Outs, Golden Classics and the American Dream with Jack Elton (Elvis Impersonator). When he played the Elvis shows with Jack Elton, he played with the largest drum set in Florida - 15 drums and 27 cymbals. He also shared a stage with Roy Clark, Barbara Mandrell, John Byner, Red Skelton, to name a few.

Michael was a second-degree black belt in Kenpo Karate as well as an instructor. Kenpo is an art of Karate which means "empty hands." It is a form of fighting without any weapons. The Kenpo Creed stated that "should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong, then there are my weapons – my empty hands.

A Tribute for a Life well-lived will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Word of Faith Family Church located at 285 West Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, Florida. The service will be live-streamed (info to follow). Pastor Steve Ingram will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Michael's life. There will be a small reception following the service.

"Michael" "Mike" Mikey" "Uncle Mike" "Animal" "Drum Doctor" "Bro-Bro" and "Dum-Dum," will be remembered for his art of music, his devotion to his Church, his abundance of kindness, and the unwavering dedication to his family, his faith, and his craft. His legacy will live on through his work and the memories of those whose lives he touched.

Drummers do not need wings to fly, they take flight through their beats.

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.