Retired U.S. Air Force National Guard colonel Timothy Dearing topped the co-angler division of the Forrest Wood Cup on Lake Lanier. (Photo by David A. Brown)

11.Aug.2012 by David A. Brown

GAINESVILLE, Ga. – He passed on the opportunity to become a general in the U.S. Air Force National Guard, but Retired Colonel Timothy Dearing advanced to the top of his co-angler ranks with a convincing win in the Forrest Wood Cup on Lake Lanier.

Two years ago, after 38 years of military service, Dearing found himself contemplating this career-capping advancement. Ultimately, it was the advice of his wife Lisa that convinced the Loudon, Tenn. co-angler that it was time for a life transition.

“My wife said ‘Why do we want to do that?'” Dearing said. “(The promotion) was signed by the president, but my wife said “Why don’t you retire and go fish while you’re healthy enough to live your dream?'”

Dearing opened his tournament campaign by placing third on day one with a limit catch of 9 pounds, 6 ounces. He struggled on day two and caught a lone keeper that went 2-3. The final round, however, saw Dearing’s finest effort and as soon as he took to the stage, he proudly displayed a nice bass for the crowd at the Gwinnett Convention Center.

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