Wayne Davidson

Wayne Davidson, 83, died at home in Naples, Florida 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 Bristol-Myers 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 Bristol-Myers 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 great- grandson, Eli. His family will miss him beyond measure.

A memorial service will be held in Evansville, Indiana at Aldersgate United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 10, 2015 beginning at 10 am, with Rev. Mitch Gieselman officiating. The family will also welcome visitors at Alexander Newburgh Chapel in Newburgh, Indiana on Friday, January 9, 2015 from 2 pm until 8 pm. 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.