Waycross-Ware County Sports Hall of Fame

Willie F. (Bill) Cobb, Jr. – 2026

Willie F. (Bill) Cobb, Jr. Inducted 2026 Some people move on from the game. Others stay in it—finding new ways to give back at every stage of life. Bill Cobb is one of those people. As a young athlete in Ware County’s recreation program, he quickly stood out, earning...

Jerry Paulk – 2026

Jerry PaulkInducted 2026 Sometimes a program begins with a single athlete who sets the standard for what is possible. For Center High School track and field, that athlete was Jerry Paulk. When track was introduced at Center High in 1964, Jerry, then a junior, quickly...

Fred Willocks – 2026

Fred Willocks Inducted 2026 Some coaches are remembered for their records. Others are remembered for the lives they changed. Fred Willocks is firmly in the second group. From the beginning, he built his life around athletics and education. A graduate of Maryville...

Dr. Erin Ethridge Harvey – 2026

Dr. Erin Ethridge Harvey Inducted 2026 Some people spend a lifetime around athletics. David B. Shields, Jr. built his life in it. Some athletes compete. Others grow into leaders who carry those lessons far beyond the game. Dr. Erin Ethridge Harvey is one of those...

Debbie Neugent Taylor – 2026

Debbie Neugent Taylor Inducted 2026 Every great team has a player who may not always seek the spotlight, but you feel her presence every time the game is played. For the Ware County Gatorettes, that player was Debbie Neugent Taylor.Debbie played the rover position,...

David B. Shields, Jr. – 2026

David B. Shields, Jr.Inducted 2026 Some people spend a lifetime around athletics. David B. Shields, Jr. built his life in it. A Ware County native, David learned early that success starts in the classroom but finds its expression on the field. At Ware County Senior...

Pastor Nathaniel J. Anderson Jr. – BOLA 2025

Pastor Nathaniel J. Anderson Jr.Beacon of Light Award 2025 The Beacon of Light Award was established by the Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors to honor a local individual who embodies the traits of the late Rev. F.J. Beverly, who served this community as a...