Weyant, Walter Bennett, Jr., age 79, of Knoxville, passed away on December 14, 2012. A career educator, he had moved to Knoxville with his wife on his retirement. He worked for a time as a substitute teacher for Knox County Schools, and was active in NAMI, serving on the board and its committees. Born in 1933, Walt grew up in Syracuse, NY, with his mom and dad, Walter Sr., and Georgia Weyant, now deceased, and his three sisters, Phyla, Dorothy, and Marilyn. He later graduated from Cortland University in Cortland, NY, with his teaching certificate and a passion for playing basketball that he would indulge long into his early 70’s. His master’s degree was earned from FAU (Florida Atlantic University). Moving to a fast growing Miami in 1957 he taught Math and Science. He also coached several sports at a North Miami recreation park and a few of those kids even went on to play professionally as adults. He soon discovered a new passion in the then very new program of “Community Schools”. The rest of his career was spent as an administrator for this Dade County Schools program and he never lost his enthusiasm for it. He remained a steadfast advocate for it the rest of his life.
Walt is survived by his wife, Shirley, of 57 years, and his daughters, Laurie of Knoxville, and Suzette and her husband, James Gould, both of Home, WA, and their daughters, Nichole, Amanda and her husband, Joe, and Jennifer and her family. Also, his sisters, Phyla (her recently late husband, Paul Wright), Dorothy and her husband, William Dean, and Marilyn and her husband, Robert Akers, and brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Dorothy Roberts. There are several nieces, nephews, and many grandnephews and nieces, as well, and even some great grandnieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Saturday from 2 – 3 pm at the Lynnhurst-Greenwood Chapel. The memorial service will follow at 3 pm. Cremation by Restore Life USA. Arrangements by Lynnhurst-Greenwood Chapel of Berry Funeral Home, 2300 W. Adair Dr. Condolences may be offered at www.lynnhurstchapel.com
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