Thomas Wendell McVay
Thomas Wendell McVay, also known as "Cotton" McVay, was mayor of Lake Wales, Florida, United States between the years of 1953 and 1954. During this time he was instrumental in bringing the Passion Play to Lake Wales.
Born in Eastman, Georgia, Cotton moved to Lake Wales around the age of nine. The family resided on Central Avenue, and Cotton's father owned a hardware store during the pioneering days of the town. Cotton and his older brothers went on to graduate from Lake Wales High School and went into the military during World War II. In 1942, he married Eva White of Bartow, and together they had one child, Eva Jane, in 1950. McVay died on October 3, 1982 at the age of 66.
