Edward B. Davis

DAVIS, JUDGE EDWARD B. February 10, 1933-May 24, 2010 Judge Edward B. (Ned) Davis passed away on May 24, 2010. Ned was born in West Palm Beach, Florida where he distinguished himself on the baseball diamond, basketball court and gridiron. He received Allstate honors in baseball, All District honors in basketball and was the first person selected to the All Southern Football Team as a high school sophomore. He became affectionately known as the "Boomer" because of his athletic skills. As a result of his athletic and academic prowess, he was offered scholarships to a number of colleges. He was offered the largest bonus ever awarded a high school athlete at that time in the State of Florida to sign with the Detroit Tigers to play professional baseball. Ned's professional baseball career was interrupted because of the Korean War. He served in the United States Army for two years. Upon discharge, he returned to the Detroit Tigers, until injuries cut his career short. Judge Davis then enrolled in the University of Florida. Prior to obtaining his bachelor's degree in Economics, Judge Davis was allowed to start law school as a Korean War Veteran. During his time at the University of Florida, he enjoyed a number of honors and leadership positions including President of the Young Democrats, President of the Senior Class, President of ATO social fraternity and was selected for membership in Florida Blue Key. While in school, Ned met the love of his life, Pat, and they married in 1958. They have three children, Diana, Traci and Ned. After graduation from the University of Florida College of Law in 1960, he attended New York University where he received a Masters of Law in Taxation in 1961. He returned to Miami and joined the law firm of Smathers, Thompson and Dyer. In 1962, he was a founding partner of the law firm of High, Stack and Davis. In 1979, he was appointed by President Carter to the federal bench. Later, he became Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. He retired from the bench on June 30, 2000. After his retirement from the Court, Ned accepted a position with the Miami law firm of Akerman Senterfitt. While at the firm, he devoted his attention to mediation and arbitration, but more than that, he provided valuable insight and guidance to members of the firm. He was an incredibly talented and brilliant attorney and judge who was respected throughout the legal community. He was also involved in many charitable causes and has received many honors. Just a few of the awards he received were the David W. Dyer Professionalism Award, Jurisprudence Award, Lifetime Achievement Award (Miami Jewish Federation) the Gerald Kogan Judicial Distinction Award and Coral Gables Bar Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. Selfless, compassionate, caring, bright and kind -- he treated everyone with respect. He had a great sense of humor and zest for life. He devoted himself to his family and was loyal to his friends. His good nature, his fairness and respect for others will be his legacy. Judg e Davis is survived by his wife of 52 years, Pat, three children (Diana and husband Ian, Ned and wife Anne and Traci), five grandchildren (Jennifer, Brian, Ashley, Penn, and Harper), and two great-grandchildren (Trey and Cody). A gathering of friends will take place at the Biltmore Hotel, Granada Room, from 5 to 7 pm., Thursday, May 27, 2010. Parking will be available in the West Lot to the right of the hotel. Donations in his memory may be made to Lakewood Center, 8400 La Amistead Cove, Fern Park, Florida 32730; 407.331.7226. View this Guest Book at www. MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.