George Smathers

Date of Birth: November 14, 1913

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: January 20, 2007

Biography

George Armistead Smathers was an influential American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Florida for 18 years, from 1951 to 1969. Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and raised in Miami, Florida, Smathers had a storied career marked by his staunch anti-communism stance and significant contributions to American infrastructure and policy during the mid-20th century. Smathers graduated from the University of Florida where he was a star athlete and went on to earn a law degree from its law school. His early career saw him serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II before entering politics. Smathers was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1946, where he served until his election to the Senate in 1950. He was known for his close friendship with John F. Kennedy and played a vital role in Kennedy’s presidential campaign. After his retirement from the Senate, Smathers pursued various business ventures and remained a respected figure in Florida politics until his passing in 2007.

5 Interesting Facts about George Smathers

1. George Smathers was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.

2. He defeated incumbent Claude Pepper in a contentious Senate race in 1950, which was noted for its intense and controversial campaign tactics.

3. Smathers was instrumental in the creation of the Interstate Highway System under President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

4. He was a close friend and political ally of President John F. Kennedy.

5. Smathers was known for his opposition to communism and was a supporter of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Smathers

1. “I have always believed that government must have a heart as well as a head.”

2. “Public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation.”

3. “In the Senate, I have always tried to be a man of my word.”

4. “My friendship with Jack Kennedy was one of the most significant relationships of my life.”

5. “We must be vigilant and resolute in the face of communism.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, George Smathers’ net worth was estimated to be around $5 million, which was substantial for his era, especially given his involvement in various business ventures post-politics.

Children

George Smathers had two children: John Smathers and Bruce Smathers. Bruce followed in his father’s footsteps to some extent, becoming a politician and serving as the Secretary of State of Florida from 1975 to 1978.