OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. -- Dr. Samuel Elmer Brick Jr. died Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at the age of 92, in Safety Harbor. He was born Nov. 24, 1917, in Salina, Kan., to Samuel Elmer Sr. and Lillian Belle Padgett Brick. He attended public schools in Salina, and in 1939, he received a B.A. in Music and German from Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina. He received an M.S. and Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Kansas.

From 1942 until 1945, he was a high-speed Morse code operator in the United States Army Air Corp stationed in the South Pacific and earned the rank of staff sergeant.

He taught on all levels in the Kansas public schools and was employed as a professor of music at Carthage College from 1952 to 1968, and the University of Tampa from 1968 until 1982. While at the college level, he served as both departmental and division chairs. In 1968, Sam received the "Man of the Year" award from a fraternity, and the "Outstanding Professor Award" in 1970 from the University of Tampa. Sam loved music and played the trombone and piano. He also sang in a Barbershop Quartet and directed church choirs.

During his retirement years, Sam performed background jazz music at special events and on the keyboards in the Rocky Creek Kitchen Band. Other interests included acting, gardening, bridge, photography, traveling, and tennis.

In 1947, he was married to Marilyn Estey Macferran, of Topeka, and they had three children, John, Robert, and Sarah. He will be remembered for his love of music, teaching, impeccable honesty, integrity, self-discipline, philanthropy, sense of humor, love of fun, incredible memory, kindness, gentleness, love of family, keen intellect, and love of sweets.

Sam's legacy is the difference that he made in the lives of his students.

He was preceded in death by his father, in 1920; mother, in 1963; brother, Eugene, in 1973; sisters, Alice, in 1998, and Kathryn, in 1992; son, John, in 2001; and wife, Marilyn, in 2009. He is survived by his son, Robert and wife Yvonne Brick, of Clearwater; daughter, Sarah and husband Steve Archer, of Tahlequah, Okla.; daughter-in-law, Pamela Brick, of Valrico; granddaughters, Christina and Laura Brick, Rachel Archer, and Carly Bellido DeLuna; grandson, Felix Bellido DeLuna; great-granddaughter, Arianna Maldonado; as well as nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flower or cards, please send memorial donations to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA 50340-2018.