GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida’s most famous cheerleader has died.

George Edmondson Jr., better known as Mr. Two Bits while riling up crowds at Florida home games for 60 years, died Tuesday at age 97, the school announced Thursday.

Edmondson officially retired from his role after the 2008 season. He never attended Florida but was named an honorary alumnus in 2005.

An insurance agent from Tampa, Edmondson first performed his “Two Bits” cheer in 1949.

His “Two bits, four bits, six bits a dollar ... all for the Gators, stand up and holler!” routine took hold, and he quickly became a well-known figure at games.