Wayne Mixson

John Wayne Mixson (born June 16, 1922) is an American politician who served as the 39th Governor of the U.S. state of Florida. He assumed the office in January 1987 after Bob Graham stepped down to take his seat in the United States Senate, and served only three days until the governor-elect, Bob Martinez, was sworn in. He also served as a Special Ambassador to Ecuador, being appointed to this post by President Jimmy Carter in 1979.

Life and career

Born in New Brockton, Alabama, immediately after graduating from high school he moved to Jackson County, Florida. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. Following the war, he attended Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania. In 1947, he received a degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida, where he was tapped in to Florida Blue Key. He was also a member of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity. Also in the same year, he married his wife, Margie Grace. His political career began with the Florida House of Representatives, serving six consecutive terms. He chaired House Agriculture Committee for 8 years. Mixson was a full-time farmer during his tenure as state legislator and developed a reputation as pro-agruculture business legislator.