George Shuford, an athlete at Chattanooga Central and the University of Tennessee before becoming one of the most renowned football officials in America, died on Saturday.
“What most people don’t know is that he did more to help younger officials in the 50 years he called high school games than anyone I know,” said fellow SEC official Lee Dyer.
Mr. Shuford, who was the captain of Tennessee’s baseball team for two years and was named to the Vols’ All-Century team, also played football at Tennessee and, in 1961, kicked a then school record 53-yard field goal against Alabama.
He was a member of the first Central High Hall of Fame and was also a member of the Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame.
He played professional baseball in the Orioles organization after graduating from Tennessee and would later officiate SEC football games for 23 years. He was selected to take part in nine post-season bowl games.
Mr. Shuford served on the County Commission from 1994-1998. He was elected chairman of the commission in 1997 and served one year.
He also served on the Erlanger board of trustees.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2-8 p.m. on Wednesday, and 1-2 p.m. on Thursday.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Burial will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
The Southeast Tennessee Football Association will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Memorial donations may be made to the George Shuford Memorial Scholarship at Central High School, the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of your choice.