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William "Bill" Markham

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Fort Lauderdale High School

William Markham Obituary

Markham, William "Bill", the beloved Broward County Property Appraiser, passed away unexpectedly on March 8, 2004, at age 64. Bill was elected as the Property Appraiser nine times and was currently the longest serving Property Appraiser in the State of Florida at the time of his death. An Ohio native, Bill and his family moved to Broward County in 1954. He graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School in 1954. While in high school, Bill founded and was lead singer of The Jesters, a popular group who were the first rock-and-roll band in Broward County. Bill next earned his B.A. degree from Centre College of Kentucky in 1962. Upon graduation from college, Bill served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve during the Vietnam War era. After completing his military service, Bill went to work in the private sector for several years. Two years after the death of his father, Broward County Tax Assessor C. Robert Markham, Bill ran for County Tax Assessor and won in 1968. The office was later renamed Property Appraiser. Bill also previously served as President of the Florida Association of Property Appraisers and served on the Executive Board of the International Association of Assessing Officers. Under Bill's leadership, his office won many awards over the years for efficiency, innovation, providing quality public service and protecting the rights of taxpayers. Bill was also very active in our community. Over the years, he was recognized for his work by United Way, Father of the Year of the Fort Lauderdale Philharmonic Society, American Jewish Congress, and family of the Year by the Broward Family service Agency, Broward Coalition of Condo and Homeowners, Anti-Defamation League, Jewish National Fund, Jewish Federation, Easter Seal of Broward County, City of Hope, Junior Achievement, Jaycess, and many others. Bill is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sherry Rhodes Markham; sons, J. R. and Robert Markham; mother Madolyn Markham; and brother, Mark Markham. Visitation will be Thursday, March 11, 2004 at the First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale, 401 Southeast 15 Ave, Ft. Lauderdale from 1 to 3 and 5 to 9 PM. Deerfield Beach Lodge, F & AM, will hold services at the church on Thursday at 3 PM. The funeral service will be held at the church on Friday, March 12, at 1;00 PM. Entombment will follow at Lauderdale Memorial Park, Ft. Lauderdale. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the C. Robert Markham Foundation, P.O. Box 700, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33302. Arrangements by: FAIRCHILD FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION CENTER 299 N. Federal Hwy., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 763-4488.

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Published by Sun-Sentinel on Mar. 10, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for William Markham

21 Entries

Rev.Richard Cromie

March 15, 2004

Oh dear, I had not heard of Bill's death until Roni Frye emailed me this morning. He was such a good friend and Churchman while I was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale. He and Roy Jones and I spent a lot of time together. I send our Love to Sherry, to the boys, and of course to Mark, whom I knew well. We have recently moved to North Carolina and are a little out of touch with the Ft. Lauderdale scene, so I was taken by shock when I received the news. God bless you all. Dr. Cromie

Michael Pratt

March 12, 2004

My deepest and heartfilled condolences to Sherry, Madolyn, JR, Robert and Mark Markham. I was very fortunate to have known and worked for Bill for the last 20 years. Bill was a man for all people and a boss that was second to none. He inspired and motivated all of us who knew him. My heart hurts deeply for your loss and my loss. Know that his memory will live on.

Jerry & Carole Jordan

March 12, 2004

Godspeed

Tonie Toney

March 11, 2004

What I'll remember most about Bill Markham was his love for his wife, sons, mother, and brother.

As a member of his Jesters band for three years beginning in 1957, I had the distinct pleasure of knowing the young creative, outgoing, versatile Bill. I remember how comfortable he was in all cultural, ethnic, and racial settings. He got along with everyone and his respect for them was always evident. When to most it would seem that he and his Jesters group were totally out of their element - in reality he was right at home, liked by all, and loved by many.

I have enjoyed sharing some relatively recent moments with Bill at luncheons where he would join with some of his high school chums. There are also great memories of the three Jesters reunions that have occurred. But one of my fondest memories is of an event that occurred in 1957 late in the night after we Jesters had played at the old "Reef" on Fort Lauderdale beach. He, some of his buddies, and I have laughed about this more than once. We have observed that way back then we should have known that Bill would eventually engage in a profession that would involve some important aspect of money management.

Here is what happened: We followed our usual routine after the "Reef gig" and went to Jerry's Drive Inn restaurant. That particular night we went into the indoor diner up front where there were a few seats for patrons. After placing his order Bill looked at me with his bright smile and asked, "Hey Tonie! Will you loan me 85 cents? I don't want to break a dollar!"

To Sherry, J.R., Robert, Mom Markham, and Mark - you have my deepest sympathy.

Sincerely,

Tonie Toney

Joan Kinstler-Duggins

March 10, 2004

Thanks to "Brother Bill" you told my parents when we went to Centre College not to worry about me as he would look after me as he would a "little sister." Indeed he did and they as well as I were always grateful.

Rick McCorkle

March 10, 2004

I had the pleasure of meeting Bill when he was still in high school. As the drummer in his Jester's band, we certainly had some great and happy times together, and after the days of the band, we shared some special times.

Our thoughts and prayers are for his wife, Sherry, sons, J.R. and Robert, his mother, Madolyn, an exceptional lady, and his brother, Mark, another friend of mine.

We will miss Bill and his "larger than life" smile!

PRESTON HENN

March 10, 2004

I HAVE BEEN LISTENING TO EAGLES TO GET THE QUOTE THAT BILL REFERRED TO SOME POLITICAL FRIENDS.ITS FROM "TAKE IT EASY"......"DON'T LET THE SOUND OF YOUR OWN WHEELS DRIVE YOU CRAZY"........JR YOU WERE WITH US IN A GOLF CART...PRESTON

Diana Martens

March 10, 2004

He will be missed.

PRESTON HENN

March 10, 2004

My oldest friend in Broward County.

I don't believe he will never again shop with me or give me Eagles quotes again."take it easy"

JR come shop with me for old times sake.God Bless.

Bruce Williams

March 10, 2004

As one of Bill's high school class-mates at Lauderdale High, class of 1958, as well as as being one of the Jesters, I will miss this wild and crazy guy. He was a great guitar player and entertainer extraordinaire. I hope he and Jimmy Reed are in heaven pickin' and singing the 'blues...'

-I'll miss you Bill -

Bruce Williams

Glenn Johnston, MAI

March 10, 2004

As its 2004 President, on behalf of the South Florida Chapter of the Appraisal Institute, I would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of a professional whose pioneering leadership will be sorely missed.

Godspeed

Hugh and Helen Isley

March 10, 2004

Thanks, Bill, for letting us share your humor, and for for being a fair tax assessor with integrity. Your time with us was far too short.

Christina Erwin

March 10, 2004

I had the pleasure of meeting Bill during a very stressful and sad time in my life. My father-in-law was Ed Erwin. Ed worked for Bill and also spent many fun times with him as a friend in the music business. Ed had been diagnosed with cancer and was living at my house when Bill came to visit him. Bill was very nice and brought roses fresh from his garden. It meant alot to Ed. Bill also checked in on Ed several times. Ed spoke very highly of Bill. I am sure they are playing music together and singing in heaven. May God Bless his wonderful family. I am sure such a wonderful man will be missed. On behalf of the entire Erwin family please accept our sincere condolences.

Peggy and Lou Racano

March 10, 2004

Broward County has lost a friend. He will long be remembered for his contribution to the County, its citizens and his fairness to his staff. We offer our deepest sympathy to his wife and family, and staff. His office was always open to the Cmmunity. He will be missed.

Michael Myers

March 10, 2004

Bill was a friend from the 9th grade till his death. The early years with the Jesters Band at the Reef till our 30+ years at Broward County Gouvernment. I will miss him.

Sharron and Nick Navarro

March 9, 2004

Bill was very special in so many ways. He was an honest, dedicated public servant, a wonderful husband and father, very talented and more fun to be around. He gave 100 percent to everything he ever did. He will be missed terribly.

Charlie Folds

March 8, 2004

During my career as Channel 7's Director of Community & Public Relations one of the great community joys I shared was with Bill Markham. He was so loyal to United Way and others and was a first-class gentleman.

Broward has lost a legend, all of us have lost a friend, but the fond memories we share will inspire us eternally.

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