Vince Whibbs
Encyclopedia
Vince Whibbs, Sr. KSG
(February 8, 1920 – May 30, 2006) was a popular politician
and business leader in Pensacola, Florida
. Vince served as mayor of Pensacola for an unprecedented seven consecutive terms, serving the city from 1978 to 1991. He was invested as a knight of the Order of St. Gregory the Great by Pope John Paul II in 1995.
, where he worked for General Motors
, and briefly served as a fighter pilot in World War II
, until returning to General Motors. Vince left General Motors in 1958 to begin a successful Pontiac
dealership in Pensacola.
His son ran for Congress in 1994, but lost to Joe Scarborough
.
Order of St. Gregory the Great
The Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great , was established on September 1, 1831, by Pope Gregory XVI, seven months after his election.It is one of the five orders of knighthood of the Holy See...
(February 8, 1920 – May 30, 2006) was a popular politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
and business leader in Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola is the westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle and the county seat of Escambia County, Florida, United States of America. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 56,255 and as of 2009, the estimated population was 53,752...
. Vince served as mayor of Pensacola for an unprecedented seven consecutive terms, serving the city from 1978 to 1991. He was invested as a knight of the Order of St. Gregory the Great by Pope John Paul II in 1995.
Early years
Vince Whibbs was born in Buffalo, New YorkBuffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
, where he worked for General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
, and briefly served as a fighter pilot in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, until returning to General Motors. Vince left General Motors in 1958 to begin a successful Pontiac
Pontiac
Pontiac was an automobile brand that was established in 1926 as a companion make for General Motors' Oakland. Quickly overtaking its parent in popularity, it supplanted the Oakland brand entirely by 1933 and, for most of its life, became a companion make for Chevrolet. Pontiac was sold in the...
dealership in Pensacola.
Political career
Vince was active in local politics in Pensacola not long after opening his business there. Vince served as a city councilmen and on the board of directors of the Greater Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce. Vince also served as president of the Pensacola Chapter of the Navy League, Rotary Club of Pensacola Suburban West, the Fiesta of Five Flags, Junior Achievement, Pensacola Franchised Automobile Dealers Association, the United Way and Project Alert.His son ran for Congress in 1994, but lost to Joe Scarborough
Joe Scarborough
Charles Joseph "Joe" Scarborough is an American cable news and talk radio host, lawyer, author, and former politician. He is currently the host of Morning Joe on MSNBC, and previously hosted Scarborough Country on the same channel...
.