George F. Wilsey, Jr

George F. Wilsey, Jr, a pillar of the St. Petersburg legal and civic community, passed away on June 25, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was born on January 27, 1931, in Alexandria, Virginia, and over the course of ninety-five remarkable years, built a legacy of integrity, service, and leadership.

George’s family relocated to St. Petersburg in the 1940s where he graduated from St. Petersburg High School in 1948. He continued his academic pursuits at Florida State University, earning his degree in 1953. After college he served in the Army’s 5th CIC Detachment during the Korean Conflict, stationed at a remote outpost in Augsburg, Germany from 1953 to 1955. When he returned home from military service he married Elizabeth “Libby” Ham who he had met on a blind date set up by his sister Jean Moltz. He credited his military service with helping him mature into an adult and for providing him the opportunity to attend George Washington School of Law in Washington, D.C. on the GI bill, where he found his professional calling graduating with honors in 1958 and serving Associate Editor of the Law Review.

George was admitted to both the Virginia and Florida Bar Associations in 1958. He returned to St. Petersburg and was a co-founder of the Fisher and Wilsey, P.A. law firm. He quickly established a reputation for integrity, excellence and his commitment to the law. He was a long-time contributing author to Florida Bar practice manuals, was recognized as a “Florida Super Lawyer”, listed in “Best Lawyers in America”, was a Fellow of the American College of Estate and Trust Counsel and served on the Board of Directors for Sun Trust Bank, Tampa Bay for 27 years

George’s professional accomplishments paralleled his deep commitment to community service. He was a Mason and served as Past President and was the last surviving charter member of the Sunshine City Kiwanis Club, which he helped found in 1959. He also was a President of both the St. Petersburg Bar Association and the St. Petersburg Legal Aid Society. His leadership at the Legal Aid Society was instrumental in securing city funding that provided the organization with its own offices and its first full-time attorney and staff, broadening its impact across the community. His sense of civic duty extended further as a long time member and past President of the Suncoasters and his involvement with the Festival of States.

Outside of his professional life, George enjoyed time with his family, woodworking, fishing, black powder and bow hunting. He had a passion for history, especially in researching for speaking engagements focused on the Civil War, enriching those around him with his knowledge and enthusiasm.

George was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Elizabeth “Libby” Wilsey in 2010 and is survived by his loving family, his two sons, David Wilsey, (Lisa) and Steven Wilsey, (Vivian) who followed him into the practice of law and his daughter, Patricia LaVoy, (Forest). His legacy also continues through his grandchildren, Chase Wilsey, Abigail Bahr, Forest, Kirstin and Brooke Lavoy, Clay, Jacob and Grace Wilsey and great-grandchildren, Ben and Ryan Wilsey, Elizabeth and Charles Bahr who will grow up inspired by the example he set.

That this life will never come again is what makes it so sweet

A memorial service honoring the life and achievements of George F. Wilsey, Jr, will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Anderson McQueen Funeral Homes, located at 2201 Dr M.L.K. Jr St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704.

Through his enduring professional achievements, steadfast public service, and devotion to his family, George F. Wilsey, Jr leaves behind a lasting impact on all who were privileged to know him. He will be remembered with great respect and deep admiration.