Bruce Filer Obituary
Bruce Filer, 86, passed away at Lower Cape Fear Lifecare Center in Wilmington, NC on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Bruce was born in Waukegan, IL. He was raised in Plainfield and Wenonah, NJ before the family moved to Savannah, GA when he was 16. He graduated from Savannah High School and then Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC with a bachelor's in business administration. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years Henrietta (Henri) Taylor Filer, his father John Donald Filer, and his mother Louise Bill Filer.
He is survived by his sister Nancy Waite (Mike) and brother Doug Filer (Diane), and three children – Carol Callahan, Don Filer (Cindi) and Tay Filer (Becky). There are 8 grandchildren Ryan (Travis), Lindsay (Brian), Taylor (Sarah), Matt (Erica), Emily (Chandler), Emma, Katie Mac and Finn. He had a special place in his heart for his five great-grandchildren, Cameron, Olivia, Millie, Hudson and Park.
Bruce worked at Cyclone Fence before joining the Army where he did a stint as a Reconnaissance Platoon Leader (tanks, jeeps, and armored personnel carriers). He joined Union Camp in 1965 and progressed from Sales Trainee to Sales Manager for the Jamestown, NC box plant. He retired from Union Camp in 1995 after 30 years of service. He was a member of Topsail Presbyterian Church.
Bruce was a lifelong do-it-yourselfer! Additionally, he loved engaging the community he found at Coastal Fitness and very much enjoyed swimming laps there. He had fun decorating t-shirts for friends and special occasions. Surf City was a special place to him. Bruce and Henri owned a beach house there for over 40 years.
The family will hold a private service and celebration of life. Cards and notes may be sent to his son Don who will share with the family.
Don Filer
1039 Chestnut Hill Circle
Marietta, GA 30064
Coastal Cremations 6 Jacksonville St., Wilmington, NC 28403.
910.392.6032
People and places connected with Bruce
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Filer
Tell your own story about Bruce
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Bruce Filer's name
How to support Bruce's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Bruce Filer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored