Mr. Two Bits | |
|---|---|
 "Mr. Two Bits" leading a pre-game cheer | |
| Born | July 17, 1922[1] |
| Died | July 2, 2019 (aged 96) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Insurance salesman Amateur cheerleader |
| Spouse | Jane Edmondson |
George E. Edmondson Jr.[2] (July 17, 1922 – July 2, 2019) was an insurance salesman from Tampa, Florida who was known to the University of Florida community as "Mr. Two Bits". Edmondson was a fan of the Florida Gators football team, for which he led a traditional "Two Bits' cheer" at football games beginning in 1949. Though he began the practice in an unofficial capacity, it eventually became so popular among fans at Florida Field that he was invited to lead the cheer from midfield before games, which he did from the mid-1970s until 2008. Citing health concerns, he retired from the role after the 2008 season and died in 2019.[3]
Beginning in 2009, a series of University of Florida students and famous alumni have taken over the Mr. Two Bits role during pregame festivities at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, which higher profile "Guest Mr. Two-Bits" usually tapped to lead the cheer before higher profile games. Edmondson's cheer and distinctive orange-and-blue-striped tie became so popular that they have been used by the university as a symbol of alumni support.[4]
- ^ "George Edmondson "Mr. Two Bits" Obituary - Tampa, FL". Dignity Memorial.
- ^ Swirko, Cindy. "Gator legend, Mr. Two-Bits, dies at 97". Gainesville Sun.
- ^ "Mr. Two Bits". Sptimes.com.
- ^ "UF community asked to 'Stand Up and Holler' on Gator Nation Giving Day". News.ufl.edu. University of Florida. 25 February 2019. Retrieved 26 February 2019.