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Wayne Davidson Obituary
Wayne Davidson Naples, FL
Wayne Davidson, 83, died at home in Naples, FL on December 24, 2014 after being diagnosed with cancer this past June. A graduate of Reitz High School ('49) and the University of Evansville ('56), he served in the U.S. Army from 1953 until 1955. Mr. Davidson began his professional career as a sales representative with Mead Johnson and Company. After a series of positions, with ever increasing responsibilities, he became President and CEO of Mead Johnson in 1975.
In 1984, subsequent to Mead Johnson becoming a subsidiary of Bristol-Myers Company, he became President of the BristolMyers U.S. Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Division with offices in New York City. In 1989, he was appointed President of the Worldwide Bristol-Myers Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Division.
After the acquisition of E.R. Squibb pharmaceutical company in 1989, Mr. Davidson integrated the Bristol-Myers Pharmaceutical division with Squibb with headquarters in Princeton, NJ. He served as Executive Vice President of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Corporation with responsibilities for the World Wide Pharmaceutical Group as well as Mead Johnson and Company. He retired in 1993.
Mr. Davidson served as a director of the BristolMyers Squibb Company, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturing Association, the Whitehead Institute of BioMedical Research, and Old National Bank. He was a longtime trustee of the University of Evansville, including one term as the Chairman of the Board from 1987 to 1990. Formerly, he served on the boards of the Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts and Indiana Bell.
Upon his retirement, Mr. Davidson settled in Naples, FL and Banner Elk, NC where he enjoyed golf, boating, fishing, gardening, travel, reading, duplicate bridge, and cooking. He was a member of the 'A Club' in Naples, which was dedicated to duplicate bridge competition. He was also a member of the English Speaking Union and the Forum Club.
He was a member of the Elk River Country Club, Port Royal Club, Royal Poinciana Golf Club, and the Kennel Club in Evansville, IN.
He is survived by his wife, Judy, of 59 years; two daughters, Nancy Jungemann (Mark) of Naples, FL and Pagosa Springs, CO and Kathy Wheeler (Steve) of Naples, FL; a son, Scott (Jill) of St. Louis, MO; seven grandchildren: Jacob, Danielle, Kathleen, William, MeeJin, Emily, and Andrew, and one greatgrandson, Eli. His family will miss him beyond measure.
A memorial service will be held in Evansville, IN at Aldersgate United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 10, 2015 beginning at 10:00 a.m. The family will also welcome visitors at Alexander Newburgh Chapel on Friday, January 9th from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Graveside service will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Wayne and Judy Davidson Scholarship Fund at the University of Evansville or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Davidson
May 29, 2015
I am so sorry to hear that Wayne passed away. He was an inspiration to me and all in Evansville. I am so sorry for your loss. Many blessing and peace with his passing to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Joni Matthews
February 7, 2015
Dear Judy,
I am so sorry to hear about Wayne's death. He was a true son of Evansville- NICE;smart and fun to be around. He always found time to be with the salesmen who put MEADS on the map.
I will remember Wayne in my prayers and thank you for being such a good wife.
Bob Fay
Ellie Breckenridge
January 10, 2015
I am sorry I could not be at the visitation or service due to a cold. I am so sorry about your loss. He was a fine man.
January 9, 2015
Dear Judy and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Wayne's death. I have fond memories of "double dating" with him in high school and renewing acquaintances at Reitz High School Class Reunions. He accomplished so much in his lifetime and remained so humble and kind. He was truly a gentleman and it was a privilege to have known him! May God comfort you in your hours of sorrow.
Pat Stratman Freeman
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January 9, 2015
Marty and I extend our deepest sympathy to Judy and the Davidson family. Wayne was not only a great leader and "boss" but a great friend as well. I will always remember our fishing trips to Barkley, the great tennis matches and our racquetball rivalry. He was one of the good guys!
Ken & Marty Quakkelaar
Judy (Walker) Taylor
January 8, 2015
Judy and family,
So sorry to learn of Wayne's passing. I know my parents (Jane and Buddy Walker) thought very highly of him, and enjoyed being your neighbors in Kentucky. My condolences.
Judy (Walker) Taylor
January 8, 2015
Dear Judy,
My deepest sympathy for a Bosse Girl from Bosse Girls. You and your family are in our prayers.
Marva Nelson Verhage
Candace Roberts-Rutherford
January 7, 2015
I knew Mr. Davidson when I was in my home town of Evansville and have very fond memories of him. He was always kind, witty and one of the smartest business men I have every met. My condolences to his family who will miss him dearly.
Jim DeVous
January 7, 2015
We are keeping the family close in our prayers. Our sincerest sympathies.
Shelly and Jim DeVous
St. Louis, MO
January 6, 2015
As a young mgr and exec with BMS in the 70s, 80s, and Early 90s, Wayne Davidson was always a revered exec and well respected.
Hats off to a great life!
January 6, 2015
Dean and I will miss Wayne more than we can say. We so enjoyed our bridge "challenges" and dinners which can never be duplicated nor can Wayne! We loved our visit to Beautiful Elk River and their visit to us on Cape Cod. You have our love and sympathy and will see Judy and the Wheelers in Naples whenever they would like to see us,,We send love Joan and Dean
January 5, 2015
I first became acquainted with Wayne early in my career at Mead Johnson as a photographer and an audio visual technician.
Wayne had the leading role as a new sales representative in training for a film being produced for distribution to Sales Managers in the Districts.
We were both new guys on the block, and it was a pleasure to work with him. He made me look good.
Wayne always made me feel comfortable and confident while working in his presence.
He would compliment me as to my work; and when I retired, he called to personally thank me for my contribution to the Company, and to wish me a long and fulfilling retirement. After twenty years, I have not forgotten that.
He was a leader that you wanted to follow, and I always admired him as President of Mead Johnson and Bristol-Myers Squibb. He was a real gentlemen.
My condolences to Judy and the family with regard to their immeasurable loss.
Ron Berry, Senior Photographer, Retired
Mead Johnson & Co.
Stan and Deb Barringer
January 5, 2015
Sincerest sympathy to your family. Mr. Davidson was a genuine and sincere man -- to all employees -- and it was a blessing to know him.
Jeff Elpers
January 2, 2015
Scott, Time has passed since our paths have crossed, and I remember your father as a kind man. I can tell you time will heal all. Thoughts and prayers
PHIL MYERS
January 2, 2015
JUDY, I WILL ALWAYS HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF OUR BRIDGE GAMES AT ELK RIVER CLUB. YOU AND WAYNE WERE ALWAYS HARD TO DEFEAT AND I ESPECIALLY ENJOYED WAYNE'S DEEP THOUGHT AND CLEVER PLAYING OF THE CARDS. I WILL NEVER FORGET THE ONLY TIME I EVER BID SEVEN NO TRUMP WHICH WAS AGAINST YOU TWO AND MADE AS IT WAS A LAY DOWN FOR US. WAYNE WAS THE ONLY PERSON WHO EVER INVITED ME TO PLAY DUPLICATE WITH HIM OUTSIDE OF ELK RIVER. IT WAS A VERY FUN EXPERIENCE. I AM ALSO GLAD HE LIKED THE GRAETERS ICE CREAM, AND HOPE THE LATEST DELIVERY WHICH WAS TOO LATE FOR HIM WILL BE ENJOYED BY YOUR FAMILY REMEMBERING HIS FONDNESS FOR BLACK RASPBERRY CHIP. I WILL MISS BOTH OF YOU AT ELK RIVER FOR MANY MANY YEARS TO COME. TUESDAY NIGHTS WON'T BE THE SAME EVER. GOD BLESS PHIL MYERS
Harry & Lorraine Hammerly
January 2, 2015
Our sympathies to Judy and the family. We will miss Wayne at the bridge table here in Naples. He was a fine man.
January 1, 2015
Dear Judy,
Our sympathy is with you at this very sad time.
Although we were not together often, our memories of past high school reunions were fun.
We are so sorry.
Just know we are sending very special hugs.
Bill and Joann (Trockman) Braman
Anne & Kevin Killilea
January 1, 2015
Kathy, Kevin and I were so sorry to hear that your father had passed away. He sounds like a very well loved and respected man. Our prayers are with you and Steve and your family as we lost Kevin's mom recently as well.
December 31, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
George and Karla Deliopoulos
December 31, 2014
I will never forget you Wayne, or your marvelous family.
Love, Virginia A.
Bob Shetler, Sr.
December 31, 2014
Judy:
So sorry to learn of Wayne's Passing.
A True Gentleman, higest of Integretary, Wayne treated folks with great respect.
Not many of Wayne's kind around these days.
What a wonderful person to know !
Best Personel Regards,
Bob Shetler
December 31, 2014
Dear Judy and Family, Our prayers are sent to you and your family. We ask our Lord to grant you the strength you need. Shirl and Ken Stevens Elk River
December 30, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Rufino Hernandez& Gregg Sari
December 30, 2014
WE are so sorry to read of WAne's passing the last time we spoke with him he and I shared stories of having a "midnight" and a lemon coke at the driv-in across from the University of Evansville. Wayne was a true gentleman. Ruth Dreier Kooken
Ken Yellig
December 30, 2014
I worked at Mead Johnson beginning in 1974, when the management treated you like a person, and I believe a lot of that came from Wayne. There was never a more respected leader then Wayne, and we all felt secure when he went to corporate as we knew Wayne never forgot us.
David Rogers
December 29, 2014
A great loss. Wayne was a mentor to me in my early career. Our condolences to Judy.
Mick and Doris Adamson
December 29, 2014
Dear Judy and family,
We were so saddened to hear of Wayne's passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Mick always thought so highly of Wayne and enjoyed working with him. May God Bless all of you at this time.
Sincerely
Mick and Doris Adamson
Christine Helfrich
December 29, 2014
I started working for Mead Johnson in 1979. Mr. Davidson was a well loved leader.
Patricia Brown-Winstead
December 28, 2014
Mr. Davidson was a wonderful person with a real down to earth attitude. My Dad worked at Mead Johnson (Bristol Myers) his entire life after serving in the Army. He appreciated all his employees and didn't stand for mistreatment by higher ups. It is sad to read that he has passed. Sincere Sympathy to all those who loved him. Let you good memories carry you through this difficult time. When I was a child, he sold me shoes at the Shoe Box while working his way though college. Such a good man will be missed.
Lt Gen (ret) John B Conaway
December 28, 2014
To the family of Wayne Davidson.-
So sorry to hear of Wayne's passing. I have known he and Judy for over 60 years. He was one of the finest and brightest man I ever knew. He cared about family, friends and all people. He was superb as our university of Evansville board of Trustee Chairman. A natural leader. He will be sorely missed.
God Bless Wayne and all his family.
Lt Gen (ret) And Mrs. John B Conaway
December 28, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to Judy and the entire Davidson family. Wayne will certainly be missed by everyone who had the good fortune of sharing in his friendship and leadership. Sincerely,Ron and Jenny Kuczuk
Judi Gregoire
December 28, 2014
Judy, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you & your family! May God give you the strength to get through this difficult time! God Bless you!
Judi Gregoire, Moorings Park
Sam Duncan
December 28, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. I started at Mead Johnson in 1980 and we all had such respect for him. We had confidence in his leadership.
Jim Duncan
December 28, 2014
Sorry to hear of Wayne's death. He was a model executive and set a high standard for all of us at Mead Johnson
Karen & Barry Boren
December 28, 2014
We are so sad to hear of Wayne's passing. He was a fine gentleman. I had the pleasure of working at Mead Johnson & Bristol Myers Squibb with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God comfort you. Rest in Peace Wayne.
Cathy Hart
December 28, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to the family. I started working at Mead Johnson in 1981. Mr. Davidson was well respected by all.
Patricia Nuelle
December 28, 2014
Dear Judy - I am very sorry for your loss. Wayne's Father, Claude was married to my aunt Elenor for many years and I visited them in Hollywood, FLA many times. I had many good times with them and we frequently talked about Wayne (and his brother, Donald) and would have like to visit with them, too. You and your children have my deepest sympathy and prayers. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves memories no one can steal." I am very sorry.
Jerry McCabe
December 27, 2014
Saddened to hear of Wayne's passing. He was a good man and a wonderful leader of Mead Johnson.
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