In Memoriam: William R. (Bill) Davis

SFNet is saddened to inform our readers that William R. Davis has passed away.  Bill was a long-time member of SFNet and was inducted into SFNet’s Hall of Fame in 2019. His career in asset-based lending spanned 39 years with experience in all aspects of credit, underwriting, business development, workouts, and senior leadership.

While serving in the United States Air Force Bill began to take business courses. Upon his discharge, he used the GI Bill to complete his accounting education and soon after joined First Pennsylvania Bank in Philadelphia as a field examiner in the accounts receivable department. He was promoted to account executive and examination manager.

Bill served as president of Congress Financial Corporation, a leading bank-owned ABL lender in the United States, Britain, and Canada for 12 years. Congress was acquired by First Union/Wachovia Bank and he was named managing director and head of asset-based finance and executive vice president within the investment bank.

During his career, Bill served as a director and executive board member of the Secured Finance Network (then Commercial Finance Association), a director of the Turnaround Management Association and frequent speaker on asset-based lending, bank commercial lending, turnaround financing and restructuring as well as various managerial topics.

Bill and his wife of more than 50 years, Linda, maintained homes in Palm Beach Gardens, FL and Ocean City, NJ. He also spent the majority of his time in retirement as a professional musician.

We will update our readers with funeral services information once it becomes available.