Samuel Beasley, born on December 14, 1916, embarked on a distinguished career in education and sports management that spanned several decades, culminating in his 1999 induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame as a contributor. Beasley began his journey as a teacher and coach in 1941, serving Hart School in Huntingdon, TN, and then moving on to various other schools including Weakley County High School and Montgomery High School, where he contributed significantly to boys’ and girls’ basketball as well as assistant football coaching until 1960.

Transitioning from coaching to administration, Beasley served as principal for 22 years at East Jackson High School and Denmark West High School from 1960 to 1982. His leadership in these roles was marked by a dedication to improving educational and athletic opportunities for Tennessee's students.

Perhaps most notably, Beasley's tenure as Executive Secretary of the TSSAA was marked by his instrumental work alongside A.F. Bridges. Together, they achieved the significant milestone of uniting the Tennessee High School Athletic Association and the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association into what is known today as the TSSAA. This unification was a critical step towards fostering a more inclusive and cohesive environment for high school athletics across the state.

Beasley was also deeply involved in the broader educational community, holding positions such as president-elect of the Tennessee Education Congress before its merger with the Tennessee Education Association, presidencies in various teachers' associations, and membership on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Education Association from 1980 to 1983. His diverse roles underscored a lifelong commitment to education and sports, earning him recognition as a Community Treasure of Jackson in 1997.

Sadly, Samuel Beasley passed away on August 21, 2001, but his legacy lives on through his contributions to the TSSAA and the broader educational and athletic communities in Tennessee.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 1999
Category: Contributor