Ben Hill Griffin Jr.
Ben Hill Griffin Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Florida Senate | |
| In office 1965–1968 | |
| Member of the Florida House of Representatives from Polk County | |
| In office 1956–1963 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 20, 1910 Tiger Bay, Florida, U.S. |
| Died | March 1, 1990 (aged 79) Avon Park, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses | Laura Frances Pearce
(m. 1933)Eleanor Frances Wise
(m. 1971) |
| Alma mater | University of Florida |
| Known for | Businessman Citrus Grower Politician Philanthropist |
Ben Hill Griffin Jr. (October 10, 1910 – March 1, 1990) was a prominent American businessman, citrus producer, politician, and philanthropist who was a native and resident of Florida. He was an alumnus of the University of Florida, a former legislator, one-time candidate for governor, and a patron of college sports and higher education in Florida. Several of his grandchildren remain active in Florida politics. Griffin is the subject of the final chapter of John McPhee's work of creative nonfiction Oranges.