William Frederick Poe Sr.

William F. “Bill” Poe, Sr., former Mayor of Tampa, passed away at his home on Thursday, May 1, surrounded by family. He was 82. Bill Poe loved Tampa and always wanted to do what was best for its residents. He was elected Mayor in 1974 and re-elected in 1975. His term coincided with major redevelopment in the downtown area and he is credited with having the forethought and vision to see what Tampa could become. Bill was born the youngest of three children to Fred & Zula Poe. He grew up in Seminole Heights and attended Hillsborough High School, where he played basketball and tennis and was elected class president. In high school he met Betty Blackburn, the love of his life, who he would marry. He attended Duke University for one year, playing on the freshman basketball team. He later transferred to the University of Florida and graduated in 1953 and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. While at UF, Bill was president of his beloved Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Years later Bill and Betty founded the Elizabeth B. and William F. Poe Center for Business Ethics Education and Research, now among the premier ethics programs in the country. For 60 years Bill and Betty shared a life together, including a brief stint in the Air Force where they were stationed in Japan. Upon returning home to Tampa, Bill Jr., Keren, Marilyn and Janice were born. While running for his first term as Mayor, Billy and Betty added Charlie to the family. His five children gave him 16 grandchildren who he adored. He loved his family and they all remained extraordinarily close, sharing many celebrations together.