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Ultimate Gators fan 'Mr. Two Bits' dies at 97

"Two bits, four bit, six bits, a dollar ... all for the Gators, stand up and holler!"
Credit: Florida Times-Union

The University of Florida's ultimate football fan, George Edmondson, has died at the age of 97.

Better known as "Mr. Two Bits," Edmondson started a pre-game ritual of riling up the crowds at Florida Gators football games with the cheer, "Two bits, four bit, six bits, a dollar ... all for the Gators, stand up and holler!"

"George's passion and love for the Gators produced one of college football's enduring traditions," Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin said in a release from the school. "The fact that Mr. Two Bits continues to this day speaks to the magnitude of his legacy at Florida. His loyalty and long-standing commitment to the Gators is a fantastic example of the passion that makes college athletics so great."

Edmondson first performed the cheer back in 1949 during the Gators' season opener against The Citadel. During the game, the crowd booed at the team, but Edmondson decided to stand up, cheer and encourage others to join him.

The "Two Bits" cheer quickly took hold and Edmondson became an instant sensation at the games. Up until 2008, Edmondson dawned on a yellow dress shirt, khakis and an orange-and-blue tie, blowing a whistle and holding up a sign that read "2-bits," cheering in front of the crowds.

Now, Florida has an honorary "Mr. Two Bits" at the games.

Edmondson was never a student at UF. He resided in Tampa and sold insurance. Even so, he was named an honorary alumnus in 2005.

He is survived by his wife, Jane, his three children, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

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