Jacksonville, Florida, has been the birthplace of several notable individuals across various fields. Here are some top famous people born in Jacksonville:
Bob Hayes (1942–2002)
– An Olympic sprinter and American football player, Bob Hayes was born in Jacksonville. He won two gold medals in sprinting at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and later had a successful career in the NFL, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys.
Pat Boone (1934–)
– The legendary singer, actor, and author Pat Boone was born in Jacksonville. He achieved fame in the 1950s and 1960s with hit songs and film roles.
Derrick Henry (1994–)
– An NFL running back for the Tennessee Titans, Derrick Henry was born in Yulee, just outside Jacksonville. He won the Heisman Trophy while playing college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Lynyrd Skynyrd Band Members
   – Several original members of the iconic Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd hail from Jacksonville. This includes Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, and Allen Collins.
Minnie Pearl (1912–1996)
– The famous country comedian, best known for her decades-long association with the Grand Ole Opry, was born in Centerville, just outside Jacksonville.
A. Philip Randolph (1889–1979)
– A prominent civil rights leader, labor organizer, and the founder of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, A. Philip Randolph was born in Crescent City, near Jacksonville.
Tim Tebow (1987–)
– The former NFL quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner, and current professional baseball player Tim Tebow was born in Makati, Philippines, but spent much of his childhood in Jacksonville, where he later played college football for the University of Florida.
Charles “Lala” Evans (1925–2007)
– An influential gospel singer, Lala Evans was born in Jacksonville. She was a member of the renowned gospel group The Caravans.