02/27/2026
As Black History Month comes to an end, WPLH would like to honor the life and legacy of ABAC alumnus and former staff member, Wasdon Graydon, Jr. who passed away on Sunday, Feb. 15. Wasdon dedicated 37 years of service to ABAC, working as the Director of ABAC Sponsored Programs and the Minority Advising Program before retiring in 2010.
Wasdon was one of the first African-American students to enroll at ABAC in 1968. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in History and Education from Georgia Southern University and his Master of Education degree from Valdosta State University (VSU).
In 2001, Graydon received the E. Lanier Carson Leadership Award for College Administrators at ABAC and the President's Award for Achievement, Leadership, and Service. In 1994, he was named Arts Citizen of the Year in Tift County. Graydon also served as a Tift County Commissioner from 1984–1992 and was selected as a member of the Leadership Georgia program in 1991. Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors for Southwell and Tift Regional Medical Center for 15 years. Wasdon and his wife continued to champion ABAC and donate to the ABAC Foundation long after he retired.
ABAC pioneer and medical board leader Wasdon Graydon Jr. passes away >> https://www.walb.com/2026/02/20/longtime-southwell-medical-center-board-member-wasdon-graydon-jr-dies/