George H. Usry
Inducted 1991
After a sparkling career with the Waycross High Bulldogs in 1953-54-55, Usry went on to attain greatness at Clemson University for the Legendary Coach Frank Howard. During the three years at Waycross, he became one of the school’s all-time great running backs. In that span, Coach Dub Kendricks’ Canine crew won 18 lost 11 and tied one while Usry scored 34TD’s. He played both offense and defense.
Upon entering Clemson, he did not play varsity ball as a freshman because freshman could not at that time. He became a starter for the Clemson Eleven as a sophomore and started 30 straight regular season games and two bowl games. Clemson lost to LSU in the 25th anniversary Sugar Bowl game when Billy Cannon was the sparkplug for LSU. The LSU team won that game 7-0. In the inaugural Bluebonnet Bowl in Houston the next season, Clemson defeated Texas Christian University. Following Usry’s senior season, he was chosen to play in the Blue-Gray all-star game in Montgomery, Ala. He graduated from Clemson with a BS degree in electrical engineering and has since been employed in the utility profession.
From 1961-195 he served as chief engineer for the Belton, S.C. Light and Power Company. From 1965-69 he was field distribution engineer for the Duke Power Company in Salisbury, N.C. and 1969-1972 was superintendent of engineering and operations for the Bristol, TN electrical system. Beginning in 1972, he was General Manager for the Athens, TN. Utilities Board.
Usry is the son of of the late G.H. and Lucille Usry. He is married to the former Miss Lynn DuBose of Clemson, S.C. They have three sons. He has been involved in many professional and civic organizations including the American Public Power Association, Tennessee Valley Public Power Association, Tennessee Municipal Power Association, the Jaycees, Lions, YMCA, Chambers of Commerce and served on church committees.