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 High School, he competed in football, basketball, track, and tennis, earning All-Region honors and Most Valuable Player recognition in tennis. Those who knew him best didn’t just see a tennis player; they saw a complete athlete.
He carried that ability to Georgia Southern University, joining the football program during its revival under Coach Erk Russell. Known for his speed, leadership, and work ethic, he became a team captain in 1984 and was among the first to play four full years and graduate following the program’s return.

What followed was a 36-year career shaping young athletes and building programs. From Elbert County to Lincoln County, where he was part of a 15–0 state championship team, to Georgia Southern’s coaching staff, and then to Bulloch Academy, where he led a state championship program of his own, David’s impact was steady and lasting.
In 2004, he came home to Ware County. As a coach and later as Athletic Director from 2007 to 2020, he helped guide the continued growth and success of Gator athletics. His career is marked by numerous honors, but the greater measure is the people and programs he helped shape along the way.

David often credits Coach Erk Russell, who once said if you find a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. David clearly took that to heart.

The Waycross-Ware County Sports Hall of Fame honors David B. Shields, Jr. for a lifetime of leadership, commitment, and impact in athletics.