Richard Elliot (Homey) Gilfillan

Cashiers, NC - Richard Elliot (Homey) Gilfillan, age 75, of Cashiers, NC passed away Monday, July 11, 2011 at his residence. Born in Mount Vernon, Ohio, he was the son of the late Paul and Beth Cooley Gilfillan. Richard was a real estate and tax attorney, graduating from the University of Arizona and the University of Michigan Law School. He was a sailor, participating in four Transpac races and several Baja, California and Key West, FL races. Richard was a scuba diver, baseball coach, and a master wood craftsman. He was of the Episcopal faith.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Karen Gilfillan; two daughters, Stefanie Bacon of Santa Barbara, CA and Julie Ingram of Evergreen, Colorado; a step-daughter, Kimberly Robertson of Brentwood, TN; son. Daniel Gilfillan of Kailua, HI; a step-son, Clay Carpenter of Brentwood, TN; step-mother, Millie Gilfillan and two sisters, Mary Beth Showerman of St. Petersburg, FL. and Laura Harrod of Havana, FL. Ten grandchildren also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Helen Brain and one brother, Paul Gilfillan, Jr.

Family and friends know he’s happily sailing the ocean blue, loving the smell of salt water, the smack of the sails and the sounds of the hull cutting through the water. A rum and tonic in hand, his beloved folk music playing and a satisfied grin on his tanned blue-eyed ole salt face. Bless him. Cap’n Homey was just passin’ through and now he’s home.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.