Alfred A. McKethan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alfred A. McKethan
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| Born | October 14, 1908 |
| Died | April 1, 2002 (aged 93) |
| Nationality | United States |
| Alma mater | B.S., University of Florida, 1931 |
| Known for | Chairman, Hernando State Bank Chairman, State Road Board |
| Spouse(s) | Ruth Arlene Crane (divorced) |
Alfred Augustus McKethan (born October 14, 1908 – died April 1, 2002) was an important American banker, citrus grower, and businessman. He was born and lived most of his life in Florida.
Early Life and School
Alfred McKethan was born in Brooksville, Florida, on October 14, 1908. His family had lived in Florida for five generations! After finishing Hernando High School in 1926, Alfred went to the Virginia Military Institute for two years. He then finished his studies at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. He was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. In 1931, he graduated with honors, earning a bachelor's degree in business.
Banking and Business Career
After graduating from college in 1931, Alfred McKethan started working at Hernando State Bank. He began as an assistant cashier and worked his way up. He became the bank's president in 1940. At just 38 years old, he became the youngest president of the Florida Bankers Association. He led the bank, which later became SunTrust Bank, until he retired in 1994.
Alfred also started other businesses. With his brother, John W. McKethan, he founded the Brooksville Rock Company. This company later became known as the Florida Mining and Materials Corporation. He was also a successful citrus grower. For forty years, he was a director and chairman of the Brooksville Citrus Growers Association. He also served as a director for the Florida Citrus Exchange for fifteen years. Alfred McKethan was also the president of Florida Citrus Mutual, an organization for citrus growers.
Helping Others and Retirement
Alfred McKethan was a very generous person. In 1988, he gave a large donation, worth about $800,000, to his old school, the University of Florida. This money helped build a new baseball stadium called the Alfred A. McKethan Stadium at Perry Field. Later that year, he was honored by being added to the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame. Even though the stadium was taken down in 2020, the playing field at the new Florida Ballpark is still named "Alfred A. McKethan Field" in his honor.
In 1989, Alfred McKethan wrote a book about the history of Hernando County, Florida. It was called Hernando County: Our Story.
A park in Hernando County, Alfred McKethan Park on Pine Island, was named after him to remember his contributions.
Alfred McKethan passed away in 2002 when he was 93 years old.
