Outstanding, Respected Civic Leader; Escambia County Tax Assessor for Thirty Six Years

Wiley J. McDavid was one of the best known and respected men in Escambia County, Florida when he died in 1964. His election and re-election as Tax Assessor over 36 years was a testimony to his integrity, competence and popularity. Wiley McDavid watched Escambia�s tax roll grow from $14 million in 1917, when he prepared his first report, to $106 million in 1953 when he retired. He was a member of the Florida Tax Assessor�s Association for 36 years and served as its President.

Mr. McDavid was born in Santa Rosa County and moved to Pensacola in 1903. He married Maud Duncan, and their son was Duncan McDavid, Sr., well-known industrialist and golfer; their home in East Hill was a Pensacola landmark. Duncan McDavid married Blanche Lamar, joining together two very prominent Pensacola families.

Wiley J. McDavid was a very active member of the First Baptist Church. He was treasurer of the Kiwanis Club for over 15 years. He served the YMCA as President, was a member of the YMCA board of directors for over 30 years; later he was a trustee. He served for many years on the board of the Crippled Children�s Home. He was a member of the Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce public affairs committee and the Chamber�s Gopher Club.

Mr. McDavid and his fellow Pensacolian, the Reverend John D. Thomas, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church for 22 years, had funeral services on the same day, April 27, 1964. The Pensacola Journal stated, �Each has left lasting memories in the hearts of thousands of friends and acquaintances in Pensacola and Escambia County who mourn their passing, but who will always remember their lovable characters and their long years of work for the city, the county and the people who dwell therein.� Dr. Jim Pleitz conducted Mr. McDavid�s funeral service and pallbearers included members of the Kiwanis Club, members of the board of the Crippled Children�s Home and the Escambia County Commissioners.

Wiley J. McDavid was buried in St. John�s Cemetery along with his wife, Maud Duncan McDavid. Their son Duncan, Sr., was buried alongside his parents, May 1999, in 5 South Section 72.