LeRoy Collins
Thomas LeRoy Collins (March 10, 1909 – March 12, 1991) was an American politician who served as the 33rd governor of Florida from 1955 to 1961. Collins began his governorship after winning a special election in 1954, and was elected to a four-year term in 1956.
LeRoy Collins | |
|---|---|
| 33rd Governor of Florida | |
| In office January 4, 1955 – January 3, 1961 | |
| Preceded by | Charley Eugene Johns |
| Succeeded by | C. Farris Bryant |
| Chair of the National Governors Association | |
| In office May 18, 1958 – June 25, 1959 | |
| Preceded by | William Stratton |
| Succeeded by | J. Caleb Boggs |
| Member of the Florida Senate | |
| In office 1946–1954 | |
| In office 1940–1943 | |
| Member of the Florida House of Representatives | |
| In office 1934–1940 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Thomas LeRoy Collins March 10, 1909 Tallahassee, Florida, U.S. |
| Died | March 12, 1991 (aged 82) Tallahassee, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Mary Call Darby (m. 1932) |
| Education | Eastman Business College (BA) Cumberland University (LLB) |
| Signature | |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1944–1946 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | 13th Naval District (Seattle, Washington) |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Prior to winning election as governor, Collins served several terms in the Florida House of Representatives and Senate. He was the first governor from the South to promote ending segregation. Counseling "progress under law," he took a moderate course in favor of incremental improvements during the 1950s and 60s and is remembered as a voice in favor of civil rights.
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