David Reid McWilliams, Sr December 17, 2021
Miami, Florida David Reid McWilliams, Sr. passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, on December 17, 2021. He had recently celebrated his 65th birthday on November 10th with characteristic joie de vivre alongside his beloved wife Laurie.
David enjoyed a rewarding and successful 40 year career in the financial services industry beginning as a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch following his graduation from Rhodes College. He was quickly recognized for his natural leadership skills and inspirational mentoring abilities and moved into various management positions, including overseas postings in Australia and Japan. He retired from his corporate career at UBS as the aptly titled, Head of Wealth Management Transformation. There was simply no one more capable of completing such a challenging role than David. He had the most gracious gift of empowering people to embrace and adapt to life’s changes in a way that contributed to the greater good of all involved. He was renowned and universally respected for his motivational leadership, professional accomplishments, and skills. He always replied with a cheerful “sure” when asked if he had a minute. That minute was never limited or rushed as he would listen carefully and then gently impart perspective and wisdom.
David also shared his energy and leadership with genuine pleasure in service to his community. He was a Founding Trustee of Camillus House, focused on humanitarian services for the poor and homeless; Trustee for over a decade at Rhodes College, his alma mater; Trustee at Ransom Everglades, his children’s school; Board and Legacy Circle Member for Florida Foster Care Review and Co-Chair with wife, Laurie, of Vassar Parents’ Council at Vassar College where his daughter, Ivy, attends.
His smile was quick and cheeky. His laugh was warm and infectious. His patience and generosity were legendary. He was both interested and interesting and never failed to remember and inquire about whatever you might have discussed most recently. He was the consummate host who always made you feel special and most welcome. To know him truly was to love him.
His love of wine, travel and being out on the golf course was surpassed only by his devotion to his most beloved family. He cherished Laurie, his adoring wife of 30 years, with a steadfast and loyal devotion. Theirs was a rare and wonderful love story, fully evident to anyone who knew them. He treasured his four amazing, bright, and loving children - Allison, Reid, Cole and Ivy. They brought him immeasurable pride and joy, each in their own unique way. Being a father was undoubtedly David’s proudest accomplishment. He and Laurie were happiest when they were all together, whether at a simple family dinner or on an adventurous vacation. His family was his universe.
David was a giant among men, and not just because of his impressive stature. His sheer strength of character, razor sharp wit, intelligence and genuine kindness of heart set him apart. He only saw the very best in people and called everyone a friend. He leaves us all a bright, shining example of a life well lived - overflowing with authenticity, gratitude, joy and bountiful love.
The legacy of this remarkable and charismatic gentleman will be closely held in the hearts and minds of the many, many lives he touched but nowhere more lovingly sustained than by his family.
On February 24th at 3:00 pm, Father Roger Tobin will officiate a service followed by a joyful celebration of David’s life at Biscayne Bay Yacht Club in Miami.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a scholarship being created in David’s name at Rhodes College. Jenna Goodloe Wade( goodloe@rhodes.edu) will assist in providing details regarding contributions or you may visit www.rhodes.edu to contribute online designating the gift in memory of David.
Palm Coast, Florida Joseph Zawodny of Palm Coast, Florida passed away on January 2, 2022 after a valiant battle with cancer. As a long-time chemistry teacher at MAST Academy he was always trying to spark his students’ interest in science and math. During retirement, Joe honed his woodworking expertise creating half models and custom furniture pieces. He is survived by his ex-wife, Yvonne; his sister, Joyce; his brother, Charles; his 2 children Erica and Nikolas; and his 2 grandchildren, Donald and Emma.