Laura S. Walker
Author, conservationist

Laura S. Walker, born on February 28, 1861, in Milledgeville, Georgia, was a prominent American author and conservationist. After moving to Waycross, Georgia, following her marriage to Dr. John Lott Walker, she became deeply involved in civic and environmental efforts. Walker was a passionate advocate for conservation, particularly in forestry, and she was instrumental in promoting forestry education and legislation. She also worked on various beautification projects and played a significant role in preserving local history through the erection of markers and monuments at historic sites.

Her contributions were so impactful that, in the 1930s, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established Laura S. Walker National Park in her honor, making her the only living person to have a state or national park named after her. This park later became Laura S. Walker State Park, located in Waycross, Georgia. Walker also authored several books focused on the history and land of Ware County, Georgia.

Laura S. Walker passed away on April 9, 1955, leaving behind a legacy of environmental stewardship and community service that continues to be honored through the state park bearing her name​.

Ossie Davis
Actor, activist

Ossie Davis, born Raiford Chatman Davis on December 18, 1917, in Cogdell, Georgia, was a celebrated American actor, director, playwright, author, and social activist. He was raised in a deeply religious household in Waycross, Georgia, where he developed a strong sense of justice and community values that would later influence his work in the arts and civil rights. After high school, Davis pursued higher education at Howard University but left in 1939 to follow his passion for acting in New York, where he joined the Rose McClendon Players in Harlem, marking the start of his illustrious career.

Davis made his film debut in 1950 and soon became known for roles that challenged racial stereotypes prevalent in Hollywood. His work extended beyond acting into writing and directing, most notably with his 1961 Broadway play Purlie Victorious, which he later adapted into the film Gone Are the Days! Davis's commitment to civil rights was reflected in his choice of roles and his involvement in activism, often collaborating with his wife, actress Ruby Dee. Together, they were a powerful force in both the artistic and political realms, advocating for equality and justice.

Throughout his career, which spanned over six decades, Davis remained a prominent figure in American culture. He worked with influential directors like Spike Lee and received numerous accolades for his contributions to film and theater. His roots in Waycross, Georgia, remained a significant part of his identity, as the values and experiences from his early life in the South influenced his lifelong commitment to social justice and his portrayal of dignified, complex African American characters on screen.

Pernell Roberts
Actor, activist

Pernell Roberts, born on May 18, 1928, in Waycross, Georgia, was an American actor best known for his role as Adam Cartwright on the iconic television series Bonanza. Growing up in Waycross, Roberts developed a strong passion for the arts, which eventually led him to pursue a career in acting. He began his career in regional theater before making his television debut in the 1950s. His breakout role came in 1959 when he was cast as the eldest Cartwright son in Bonanza, a role that made him a household name.

Despite the success of Bonanza, Roberts often expressed dissatisfaction with the show, particularly its simplistic storylines and the lack of depth in his character. He believed that the series did not address more complex social issues, which was something he felt passionate about. This dissatisfaction led to his decision to leave the show in 1965 after six seasons, despite its popularity. Roberts returned to his first love, the theater, and later took on the lead role in the medical drama Trapper John, M.D., which ran from 1979 to 1986, earning him critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination.

Roberts' career spanned over five decades, during which he appeared in numerous television shows, films, and stage productions. His legacy in television history is significant, not just for his roles but for his insistence on integrity and depth in the characters he portrayed. He passed away on January 24, 2010, in Malibu, California, from pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and a strong connection to his roots in Waycross, Georgia.

Samuel Levi Adams
Journalist, activist

Samuel Adams was a pioneering African American journalist who made significant contributions during his tenure at the St. Petersburg Times in the 1960s. He is particularly noted for his role in launching President Lyndon B. Johnson's war on poverty through his investigative journalism. In 1964, Adams posed as a migrant farm worker for a seven-part series titled “Highways of Hope,” where he and his wife traveled through Confederate states to measure the impact of the newly passed Civil Rights Act. This series highlighted the deep racial challenges in the South, where they faced routine discrimination but also found signs of hope.

Adams' work at the St. Petersburg Times was characterized by a commitment to truth and justice, despite the personal risks involved. His reporting was instrumental in bringing attention to the plight of African Americans during a tumultuous period in American history. His influence extended beyond journalism; he was also involved in the Democratic National Committee during the Watergate scandal and worked to advance diversity in journalism, later becoming an educator and mentor to many aspiring journalists.

In his later years, Adams returned to his roots in Waycross, Georgia, where he lived in retirement until his passing. His legacy lives on through the impactful work he produced and the many journalists he inspired​.

Gram Parsons
singer, songwriter

Gram Parsons, born Ingram Cecil Connor III on November 5, 1946, in Winter Haven, Florida, was a pioneering figure in the fusion of country and rock music, which he famously dubbed "Cosmic American Music." Although born in Florida, Parsons spent much of his early life in Waycross, Georgia, where his family had deep roots. His early exposure to music, particularly after seeing Elvis Presley perform in Waycross, sparked his lifelong passion for blending different musical genres. Despite personal struggles and family tragedies, including the tragic deaths of both his father and  mother, Parsons pursued music with fervor, forming his first band, the Shilohs, while still in high school.

Parsons' career took off in the 1960s when he joined The Byrds, contributing significantly to their influential album Sweetheart of the Rodeo, which is considered a cornerstone of the country-rock genre. However, his tenure with The Byrds was short-lived, and he soon formed The Flying Burrito Brothers with Chris Hillman, another Byrds alumnus. This band, though not commercially successful, left a lasting legacy, influencing the burgeoning alternative country movement of the 1990s. Parsons' work with the Burritos, and later his solo albums, particularly GP and Grievous Angel, featured collaborations with artists like Emmylou Harris and are now regarded as seminal works in American music.

Tragically, Parsons' life was cut short at the age of 26 when he died from a drug overdose in Joshua Tree, California, in 1973. His death led to a bizarre episode in which his body was stolen by his manager, Phil Kaufman, and cremated in the desert according to Parsons' wishes. Despite his short life and limited commercial success during his lifetime, Gram Parsons' influence has grown posthumously, with many artists citing him as a key inspiration in the development of country-rock and Americana music​.

Caroline Pafford Miller
Pulitzer prize-winning author

Caroline Pafford Miller, born on August 26, 1903, in Waycross, Georgia, was an American novelist best known for her novel Lamb in His Bosom. Raised in rural Georgia, Miller was deeply influenced by the local folklore, dialects, and stories she heard while growing up. These influences played a critical role in her writing, particularly in Lamb in His Bosom, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1934. This novel, her most famous work, was praised for its authentic portrayal of life in the rural South before the Civil War. The success of the book was significant in bringing Southern literature into the national spotlight.

Miller's rise to fame after winning the Pulitzer Prize brought unexpected challenges to her personal life. The newfound attention strained her marriage to William D. Miller, a local school superintendent, leading to their divorce in 1936. Shortly afterward, she remarried and moved to Waynesville, North Carolina, where she continued to write, though she never achieved the same level of success with her subsequent works. Her second novel, Lebanon, published in 1944, received mixed reviews and did not replicate the success of her debut.

In her later years, after the death of her second husband, Miller lived a quiet life in a remote mountain home in North Carolina. Although she continued to write, she did not seek publication for her later works. Caroline Pafford Miller passed away on July 12, 1992, in Waynesville, North Carolina. Despite her relatively brief literary career, her legacy was cemented by the enduring success of Lamb in His Bosom, which was reprinted and celebrated long after her death. Miller was honored posthumously by her induction into the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame and recognition by the Georgia Women of Achievement​

Sonora Webster Carver
women's sports trailblazer

Sonora Webster Carver, born on February 2, 1904, in Waycross, Georgia, was a trailblazing American entertainer famous for being one of the first female horse divers. She began her career in 1923 when she answered an ad placed by William "Doc" Carver, who was looking for a "diving girl" for his Wild West Show. Carver quickly made a name for herself by performing the dangerous stunt of diving on horseback from a 40-foot tower into a pool of water. In 1928, she married Doc Carver's son, Al Floyd Carver, who took over the show after his father's death.

In 1931, Sonora suffered a tragic accident while performing in Atlantic City's Steel Pier, where she was blinded by retinal detachment after hitting the water off-balance with her eyes open. Remarkably, despite her blindness, she continued to perform as a horse diver for another 11 years until 1942. Her life story was later immortalized in her 1961 memoir A Girl and Five Brave Horses and the 1991 Disney film Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken. However, Carver was reportedly disappointed with the film's portrayal of her life, feeling it took significant liberties with the truth.

Sonora Webster Carver lived a long and inspiring life, passing away on September 20, 2003, in Pleasantville, New Jersey, at the age of 99. Her legacy lives on as a testament to her bravery and determination, both in her performances and in her ability to overcome the tremendous challenges she faced​.

Ernest Jones
NFL Linebacker

Ernest Jones, born on November 22, 1999, in Waycross, Georgia, is an accomplished NFL linebacker currently playing for the Los Angeles Rams. He grew up in Waycross and attended Ware County High School, where he established himself as a standout football player. After high school, Jones continued his football career at the University of South Carolina, where he quickly became a key player for the Gamecocks, leading the team in tackles during his sophomore season.

Jones declared for the NFL Draft after his junior year and was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Since joining the Rams, he has made a significant impact on their defense, contributing to the team's success, including their victory in Super Bowl LVI. Known for his leadership on the field, Jones has been praised for his football intelligence and ability to make critical plays in key moments.

Jones' journey from Waycross to the heights of professional football is a testament to his hard work and determination, making him a player to watch in the NFL for years to come​.

Leodis McKelvin
Former nfl cornerback

Leodis McKelvin, born on September 1, 1985, in Waycross, Georgia, is a former NFL cornerback known for his skills as both a defensive player and a kick return specialist. McKelvin attended Ware County High School, where he excelled in football, earning All-State honors and recognition as part of the Times-Union Super 11 team. His standout performance in high school led to a scholarship at Troy University, where he continued to shine, particularly as a return specialist, earning All-Sun Belt Conference honors multiple times.

In the 2008 NFL Draft, McKelvin was selected 11th overall by the Buffalo Bills, marking the beginning of a successful professional career. He quickly made an impact in the NFL, known for his speed and playmaking abilities. During his rookie season, he returned kickoffs for touchdowns and demonstrated his defensive prowess with key interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Throughout his career, which also included a stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, McKelvin was recognized for his consistency and versatility, finishing with impressive stats, including 285 tackles and 11 interceptions.

Despite facing challenges, including injuries that cut short his promising 2014 season, McKelvin remained a respected figure in the NFL. Leodis gives back to his community by conducting annual football camps in his hometown of Waycross, Georgia​.

Derrick Peterson
Olympic runner

Derrick Peterson, born on November 28, 1977, in Waycross, Georgia, is a retired American middle-distance runner who specialized in the 800 meters. He rose to prominence during his collegiate career at the University of Missouri, where he became a standout track athlete. Peterson represented the United States at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, showcasing his talent on the world stage. Throughout his career, he achieved significant success, including winning a silver medal at the 2001 Summer Universiade in Beijing and a bronze at the 1999 Universiade in Palma de Mallorca.

In addition to his competitive achievements, Peterson transitioned into coaching after his athletic career, serving as an assistant coach at his alma mater, the University of Missouri, before moving on to a coaching position at DePaul University. His contributions to track and field have continued to influence the next generation of athletes. Derrick Peterson remains a respected figure in the world of middle-distance running and a proud representative of his hometown, Waycross, Georgia.