Lost Barry Wilkie Today

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Billy Easton
Posts: 2105
Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Location: Nashville, TN USA

Lost Barry Wilkie Today

Post by Billy Easton »

It is with a heavy heart that I report the loss of my long time friend, musical brother, and drummer that I worked with for nearly 50 years. Barry Wilkie lived in Phoenix, AZ, but we started working together in 1966 in the Sangamon Valley Boys band in Decatur, Illinois. We worked a weekly radio show on WHOW, Clinton, Illinois, and a weekly TV show called Cornbelt Country Style on WAND-TV, Decatur, and WICS-TVm Springfield, Illinois. Our entire band moved to Arizona in 1970 where we worked in Tucson, Phoenix, and other southwestern spots.

Barry had been on dialysis as a result of diabetes, and developed infections that he could not overcome. Barry gave up and went on hospice, and lasted 12 days without dialysis.

He was a great drummer, a friend like a brother, and I will miss him.....rest in peace, Barry. Someday we will play together again.

Billy Easton
Billy & Meriul Easton
Nashville, TN
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Rick Barnhart
Posts: 3040
Joined: 23 May 2008 2:21 pm
Location: Arizona, USA

Post by Rick Barnhart »

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, Billy. I wish his family and friends peace and God's comfort. I know the pain of losing a longtime friend.
Clinesmith consoles D-8/6 5 pedal, D-8 3 pedal & A25 Frypan, Pettingill Teardrop, & P8 Deluxe.
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Bill Francisco
Posts: 16
Joined: 8 Sep 2006 12:01 am
Location: Decatur, Illinois, USA

Post by Bill Francisco »

This is indeed sad news. I remember Barry from this area here in Illinois. He was a nice fellow and a good drummer. RIP Barry
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Fred Justice
Posts: 6584
Joined: 16 Jan 2003 1:01 am
Location: Mesa, Arizona

Post by Fred Justice »

Barry was a good man. Always a smile on his face.
My condolences to Helen and the family.
Email: azpedalman@gmail.com
Phone: 480-235-8797
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Lyle Clary
Posts: 853
Joined: 27 Dec 2004 1:01 am
Location: Decatur, Illinois, KC9VCB

Post by Lyle Clary »

Sorry to hear about Barry.
2006 Zum D10 8x8,1969 ZB Custom D10,
10 3x4 Peavey Nashville 112 Peavey LTD 400 2014 Zum Encore Wood Grain 4x5 Stage One pot pedal
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Ray Jenkins
Posts: 2780
Joined: 28 Jan 2000 1:01 am
Location: Gold Canyon Az. U.S.A.

Post by Ray Jenkins »

So sorry to hear of Barry's passing.He was there to help us when SWSGA started.Rest. In peace old freind.
Steeling is still legal in Arizona
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Joe Naylor
Posts: 2713
Joined: 19 Jan 2004 1:01 am
Location: Avondale, Arizona, USA

Sad to hear

Post by Joe Naylor »

Barry always had that smile. The first time I met him we were helping people set up - I just grabbed a couple pieces and walked away and I still remember him saying Billy is that guy helping or stealing stuff - we all laughed and he made a special effort to come over and talk to me and thank me for helping.

From that day on he always would say "Hi Joe How you doing". No matter he was feeling I never heard him complain.

RIP

Joe Naylor
Joe Naylor, Avondale, AZ (Phoenix) Announcer/Emcee owner www.steelseat.com *** OFFERING SEATS AND Effects cases with or without legs and other stuff ****** -Desert Rose Guitar S-10, Life Member of the Arizona Carport Pickers Assoc., Southwest Steel Guitar Assoc., Texas Steel Guitar Assoc., GA Steel Guitar Assoc., KS Steel Guitar Assoc. (Asleep at the Steel) tag line willed to me by a close late friend RIP
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Fred Martin
Posts: 399
Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Location: Phoenix, Az

Post by Fred Martin »

Sorry to hear this Billy , you sure had a good run! Nice man there!
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