Waycross-Ware County Sports Hall of Fame inductees
The F.J. Beverly Beacon of Light Award was established by the Waycross- Ware County Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors to honor a local individual who exemplifies the character and spirit of the late Reverend F.J. Beverly.
Reverend Beverly served this community faithfully as a minister of the Gospel, and as chaplain for the Sports Hall of Fame for many years. The recipient of this prestigious award reflects the qualities that defined Reverend Beverly’s life, including faith, character, civic participation, community service, humor, and friendliness.
This year’s recipient, Bruce Tison, embodies each of those qualities through a lifetime of leadership, service, and dedication to his community.
Tison graduated with honors from Ware County High School in 1983, where he played basketball for the Gators. Following high school, he attended Valdosta State University, and also graduated with honors. While at Valdosta State, He was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and served as the fraternity’s Scholarship and Academic Chairman.
Tison credits his parents for instilling the values which have guided his life. Reflecting on his upbringing, Tison shared that he was raised in a Christian home, where faith was lived out daily through his parents’ sacrifices and unwavering commitment to their family.
Growing up in a small town, he experienced close relationships and a strong sense of community. His parents taught him to value family, serve others, put people before personal gain, work hard without seeking recogni-tion, and treat others with kindness and respect.
Above all, he was guided by the Golden Rule, treating others the way he would want to be treated.
Tison often reflects on the specific influences within his family. His father’s Southern gentleman attitude and humility taught him to treat others with respect and lead with character, while his mother’s competitive spirit encouraged him to pursue excellence and always give his best.
He also credits his wife, Susie, whose spiritual gift of discernment, particularly her ability to notice and advocate for the less fortunate, has strengthened his commitment to serve others with integrity, compassion, and fairness.
Tison has spent more than 35 years working in the banking industry, applying those values in his professional life while serving customers, colleagues and the community. His commitment to community service has extended far beyond his professional career. Over the years, Tison has served as a trustee on the South Georgia State College Foundation Board, a member of the Georgia Bankers Association Board, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Board, and the Rotary Club.
He also served as President of the Ware County Athletic Booster Club and is a graduate and member of the Leadership Waycross Class of 1993.
Tison currently serves as a trustee for the Coastal Pines Technical College Foundation Board and remains active in the Ware County Touchdown Club.
Faith has always been central to his life. At Sweat Memorial Baptist Church, Tison has served as Treasurer for 25 years and as a Deacon, including leadership roles as Chairman of Deacons and Chairman of Budget and Finance. He also served as Finance Committee Chairman for the Sweat Memorial Baptist Church Building Program.
Tison has achieved much throughout his life, often without seeking recognition for his accomplishments. Yet those closest to him have always recognized the impact of his leadership and service.
After learning of his recognition, Tison’s daughter, Lauralee, shared the following reflection: “My dad has always been someone I have looked up to and aspired to be like. He is a steady leadership presence in our family, our church, and our community. Like his father before him, he is a quiet leader, one who leads with kindness, humor, servanthood, understanding, and humility.
“He commands respect, not through authority or force, but through integrity and action. He is someone you can trust, because his words and deeds always align. He is the first to step in when help is needed and is always willing to find answers and solutions, no matter the challenge.
“To his family and to those he serves, he embodies what it truly means to be a ‘beacon of light,’ someone offering guidance, hope, truth, comfort, and protection to all who depend on him.”
Tison has been married to Susie for 37 years. They have two children, Lauralee Tison Beauregard (husband Matt Beauregard and granddaughter Sutton) and Grant Tison.
His parents are Perry Tison, Sr. (deceased) and Marjie Tison. His siblings include Perry Tison, Jr. and Renee Ragan.
The Waycross-Ware County Sports Hall of Fame Board, along with our entire community, proudly congratulates Tison for being recognized as this year’s recipient of the F.J. Beverly Beacon of Light Award and thanks him for his lifelong commitment to faith, leadership, and service
