Coach Tom Weathers, 81, passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2020.
He was born November 22, 1939 in Columbus, MS to the late William Lewis Weathers and Ludy Williamson Weathers. Coach Weathers graduated high school at New Hope High (‘57), in Columbus MS. He was recruited by Coach Scrappy Moore to play football for the Moccasins at the University of Chattanooga where he was a four-year letterman and a two-year captain. He received a B.S. degree in Health and Physical Education (‘62) at U.C. He later received his M.A. degree in Health and Physical Education (‘69) at Tennessee Tech.
Coach Weathers had a long and successful coaching career that lasted 44 years. He began his career in Atlanta GA, coaching as an assistant at Cross Keys High School and Lovett High School from 1962-64. From 1964-67, he served as assistant football coach and co-head wrestling coach at Kirkman Tech High in Chattanooga. He was an assistant football coach at Tennessee Tech University (‘67-’69). In 1969, he returned to Chattanooga for good, coaching at U.T. Chattanooga under Harold Wilkes for four years. In 1972, he served as defensive coordinator for the Mocs.
Coach’s most memorable contribution to local Chattanooga area football began in 1973 as he was chosen to take the helm at Red Bank High School. For 29 years, his teams were perennial competitors and amongst the finest in the state. He had a 72% winning percentage with a 222-85 record while at Red Bank. His 1978 team finished state runners-up, and his 2000 football squad won the 5A Tennessee State Championship.
He rounded out his coaching career as head coach at Dade Co. GA (‘02-’04), Soddy Daisy (‘04-’07), and as an assistant at Signal Mtn. (‘08).
Coach Weathers received many awards for his achievements during his storied career. Some noteworthy honors include: TSSAA Hall of Fame (2018); Tennessee Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2017); Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame (2007): NFHS Athletics Association Hall of Fame (2000); Tennessee Titans High School “Coach of the Year” (2000); TSSAA Football Coach of the Year (2000); TACA Football Coach of the Year (2000); Chattanooga Old Timers Hall of Fame (2000); U.T. Chattanooga Athletics Hall of Fame (1999)
Active in his educational career, Coach Weathers was named Red Bank Chamber of Commerce “Educator of the Year” in 1990 and received “Top of Profession” award at Red Bank High School in 1991. He belonged to several professional organizations, including: Tennessee Athletic Coaches Association (TACA); National Strength and Conditioning Association; Tennessee Education Association; and Hamilton County Education Association.
Coach Weathers was a man of faith and was a long-time member of Red Bank Baptist Church. He and his wife Lynda were proud attendees of Jim and Ina Hall’s Sunday School class.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Lynda Moreland Weathers; their son, Thomas Joe Weathers Jr.; and his parents, William Lewis Weathers and Ludy Williamson Weathers.
He is survived by his sister, Patte W. Marines; children, Wendell (Michelle) and Jeff (Amy) Weathers, Lindsay Landrum Patton, and Leslie Landrum Brickman; grandchildren, Lewis Weathers, Chris Bradbury, Justin Weathers, Kaitlyn Born, Reagan Weathers, Ashley Weathers, Nicholas Weathers, Haley Weathers, and Michael Weathers; great granddaughter, Ashlyn Bradbury; and second wife, Allyson Landrum.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Red Bank High School General Athletic Fund at 640 Morrison Springs Rd, Chattanooga TN 37415; or Ascension Living Valley Residence at 1164 Mountain Creek Rd, Chattanooga TN 37405.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 16, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Red Bank High School gymnasium. The service will follow promptly at 7:00. The family understands and shares the concern over the spread of COVID-19. The visitation will follow CDC recommendations and comply with state and local guidelines. The 7:00 service will be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/ChattanoogaNorthChapel/. We encourage those that cannot attend to share their thoughts at the same link.
Arrangements by Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
