TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – John Thrasher, a former Florida House speaker and state senator who served as Florida State University president and co-founded The Southern Group lobbying firm, died Friday in Orlando. He was 81.
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The Thrasher family and The Southern Group had announced he had been undergoing cancer treatment at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, Orlando Health, and the Cornerstone Hospice.
Gov. Ron DeSantis reacted to the Republican’s death Thursday saying on X that the retired lawmaker made a big difference in the lives of many Floridians.
“John was a decorated combat veteran, served the state well as both Speaker of the House and as a Florida senator, and provided great leadership as the president of his alma mater,” DeSantis wrote.
Thrasher was born in Columbia, South Carolina; grew up in Jacksonville, and was a first-generation high school graduate, according to his FSU biography. He was awarded the U.S. Army Commendation Medal in Germany and two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam.
Thrasher was his alma mater’s 15th president from November 2014 to August 2021. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business there in 1965 and a law degree in 1972.
FSU President Richard McCullough described Thrasher’s service as an alumnus, legislator, trustee, and president as “truly” inspiring.
“John had a remarkable ability to bring people together with his warmth, humor, and unmistakable charm,” McCullough wrote on X.
Kyle Clark, who served on Thrasher’s cabinet throughout his FSU presidency, told FSU News that Thrasher had exemplified servant leadership.
“He was more than just a president; he was a mentor and a friend to so many. We will miss his warm smile, his hearty laugh, and the kindness he extended to all,” Clark said.
After serving in the Clay County School Board, Thrasher served in the Florida House from 1992 to 2000 and as the 19th speaker from 1998 to 2000.
“He was always the gentleman,” Paul Renner, Florida House speaker from 2022 to 2024, wrote on Facebook.
As a Florida Senator, Thrasher was chair of the Senate Rules Committee. Jim Horne, a fellow former Florida senator and state commissioner of education, described Thrasher as a true statesman.
“His compass always pointed true north,” Horne wrote on Facebook.
Thrasher also served as general counsel to the Florida Medical Association for about two decades and chaired Sen. Rick Scott’s campaign for reelection as Florida governor.
Thrasher was included in the FSU College of Business Hall of Fame in 2016 and in the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame in 2017.
“John lived a remarkable life,” DeSantis wrote.
FSU was helping to plan a public service on Aug. 19, at the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall in Tallahassee.
This is a developing story.
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Casey and I are sad to learn that John Thrasher has passed away.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 30, 2025
John was a decorated combat veteran, served the state well as both Speaker of the House and as a Florida senator, and provided great leadership as the president of his alma mater, Florida State University.
John…
— FSU President Richard McCullough (@PresMcCullough) May 30, 2025