October 28, 1949 - December 7, 2024
Bradenton, Florida - David W. Wilcox, 75, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away on Saturday, December 7, after a lengthy illness. He was a kind man, gifted lawyer, and devoted husband and father and will be missed by many.
David was proud to be a native Floridian, born at Eglin Air Force Base. He lived around the world as a child since his father was in the Air Force. Upon his father's retirement, the family moved to Tampa and David graduated from Robinson High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force, serving in Southeast Asia. After an Honorable Discharge, he enrolled in Manatee Junior College and was a member of the debate team. In 1973, he transferred to Florida State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He then attended the Florida State University College of Law, where he was business manager of Law Review. It was at FSU that he met his future wife, Susan, on the lawn of her Alpha Gamma Delta sorority house. He graduated with his Juris Doctor in 1979.
He moved to Bradenton and began his law career at the firm of Icard, Merrill. After one year, he moved back to Tallahassee to serve as Governor Bob Graham's assistant general counsel. He was very proud to be the sole Republican in a roomful of Democrats. He spent two legislative sessions with Gov. Graham and then moved back to Bradenton, returning to practice with Icard, Merrill. After two years, he opened his own law office and was a sole practice attorney for more than 40 years.
David was very active in his community and beyond. He served as President of the Manatee Kiwanis Club and was a recipient of the George Hixson Award. He was President, General Chairman, and Captain of the deSoto Historical Society. He served as Treasurer of the Manatee County Bar Association and received the Manatee County Bar Association's Lifetime Community Service Award. He was on the Board of Directors of the FSU Law School and of Manatee Glens and was a founding member of Take Back Bradenton and MOR Music TV. He also served as Chairman and Founder of Coast Bank and President of the Sportsman's National Land Trust. He was a co-founder of the Committee for Open Democracy.
His hobbies included rooting for his beloved FSU Seminoles, even in the bad years. He was an avid sporting clays shooter, becoming one of Manatee County's best shots. He grew orchids and he enjoyed bird watching, participating several times in the Manatee County Audubon Society's Christmas bird count. He also loved sitting on his back deck, feeding peanuts to the local squirrel population.
David is survived by his wife of forty years, Susan, and his son, Andrew (Hannah). He is predeceased by his parents, Carl M. and Hazel (Simpson) Wilcox, Sr., and his brother, Carl M. Wilcox, Jr.
There will be a visitation on Friday, December 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Brown and Sons Funeral Home, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, Florida. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 14, at 11 a.m. also at Brown and Sons Funeral Home. A reception will follow at the Manatee River Garden Club, 3120 1st Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
