Robert W. Weathersby, Ii

Dr. Robert Warren Weathersby, II, aged 79, died Friday, January 19, 2024, at Hamilton Medical Center.

He was the son of the late Robert and Priscilla P. Weathersby of Clarksville, Tennessee, and grandson to Dr. Charles and Mrs. Nancy Pickering of Clarksville and Vernon and Lillian Weathersby of Columbia, Mississippi.

Dr. Weathersby is survived by his wife Dorothy Thompson Weathersby and their daughter, Laura Priscilla Weathersby (Daryl Smith); granddaughter Lily Dorothy Smith; sisters and brothers-in- law Nancy W. and James Scurlock of Dover, Tennessee; Sara W. and James Widner of Wabash, Indiana; Charlotte W. Neblett of Cunningham, Tennessee; niece and nephews.

Dr. Weathersby spent thirty-five years as a college English professor. He served Dalton State College for thirty years as Professor of English; for the last nineteen of those years, he was Chair of the Division of Humanities.  He was instrumental in helping Dalton State earn and maintain its well-deserved reputation for academic excellence. He also taught at Calhoun Community College in Decatur, Alabama, and briefly at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He served the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as a college academic evaluator. He was the author of two books, eleven professional articles, and various notes, abstracts, and book reviews.

In Fall term, 2004, he and his friend and former colleague David Blackwell formed a DSC Retiree Luncheon. Bob and David have hosted these quarterly luncheons  for retired faculty and staff for 20 years.

He was an active member of Dalton First United Methodist Church, member, and occasional president of the Fellowship Class. He was born a  fifth generation, founding family member since 1852) of Madison Street United Methodist Church in Clarksville, Tennessee. As a youth, he was active in the Methodist Youth Foundation (MYF) and served as General Ministries chair of the Tennessee Conference MYF. He served  the Order of DeMolay as Master Councilor. From DeMolay he received their highest honor, the Order of Chevalier. He graduated from Clarksville High School in 1962 (member National Honor Society), George Peabody College for Teachers in 1966 (B.A.) (Who’s Who recognition) and 1967 (M.A.) (member Phi Delta Kappa and Kappa Delta Pi) and earned his Ph.D. degree in 1974 from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. While at Peabody, he was recognized with the Algeron Sydney Sullivan Award for excellence of character and service to others as well as the Mr. Peabody award that honors “outstanding students, selected on popularity, scholastic standing, and participation in campus activities.” He was a graduate of Leadership Dalton/Whitfield in 1992-1993. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, serving eight years as Treasurer.

In retirement, he enjoyed reading, watching movies, and researching the genealogy of his family. He also enjoyed traveling with the Fun Club Travel group and visited over 30 countries through his journeys.

The family will receive friends at the Dalton First United Methodist Church on Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. A Celebration of Life service will be held following the visitation at 3:00pm in the Church sanctuary. Inurnment will follow the service with family only. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dr. Weathersby’s name to the Dalton First United Methodist Church (500 South Thornton Avenue, Dalton, GA 30720).