Beloved Northview Teacher, Coach Tommy Weaver Passes Away

March 8, 2012

The Northview Chiefs  and the North Escambia community are in mourning today after the passing of beloved teacher and coach Tommy Weaver.

Weaver passed away Wednesday at a Pensacola hospital. He was 61.

He is survived by his wife, Northview Principal Gayle Weaver, son Toby and daughter Tara Smith.

Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon.

Tommy Weaver had taught for eight years. A graduate of the University of West Alabama, he was Northview’s DCT coordinator and taught horticulture. He dedicated countless hours to baseball, football, the Quarterback Club, FFA and the FFA Alumuni. He was also a Senior Class sponsor.

Weaver was the driving force in the organization of Northview’s first ever Homecoming Parade.

Wednesday night, word of his passing quickly spread on Facebook, with current and former students sharing memories of a happy man, always helpful and supportive of the Northview Chief family.

Over 350 quickly “liked” a Facebook page created in his memory (https://www.facebook.com/CoachTommyWeaver), many sharing how Weaver touched their lives.

Comments

44 Responses to “Beloved Northview Teacher, Coach Tommy Weaver Passes Away”

  1. Jamie Kahalley on March 9th, 2012 2:54 pm

    Beyond emotion about this, I was telling my husband about Mr Weaver the other day. Now to read this, just breaks my heart a little. He will be missed and future Northview students will truly miss out on knowing what an amazing man and teacher he was. Thoughts and prayers go to his family.

  2. Dola on March 9th, 2012 2:33 pm

    I agree, rename the stadium! This man has had such a profound impact on Northview over the years. C/O 2002

  3. Bobby Simpson on March 8th, 2012 11:50 pm

    My heartfelt sympathy to the Weaver family. I will treasure my years knowing and being friends with Tommy. I’ll never forget our late night in Milton aft the golf match waiting for another bus after ours broke down.
    So many laughs and some sadness along the road of life with Tommy. I loved you man. I’m in Israel and will not be home until the 15th of March. I will place a prayer in the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem for you and your family my good friend.

  4. Zach on March 8th, 2012 10:43 pm

    Big weave you will be missed my friend. The chief faimly will never forget you.

  5. Nancy and Foye Perry on March 8th, 2012 9:16 pm

    I have no words that could begin to say how sorry I am for the loss of a wonder man, husband, and father. May God wrap his arms around Mrs. Weaver, Toby, Nikki, Jami, Logan, Kaffy, Gaye and her husband, Jimmy and his wife, Mrs. Baggett, Kim, Doyle and Shannon Weaver, and the entire Weaver Family during this time of suffering. As I said on my facebook “THE WORLD LOST ANOTHER GREAT MAN…BUT HEAVEN JUST GOT A LITTLE SWEETER” RIR – TW

  6. Jessica on March 8th, 2012 5:23 pm

    War Eagle Mr. Weaver, War Eagle.

  7. Dani c/o 2007 on March 8th, 2012 4:50 pm

    Mr. Weaver was an amazing man. He touched so many lives. For me personally, my daddy wasn’t always around so Mr. Weaver was very much a father figure to me. I went to him all of the time for advice. I’m so blessed to have had him a part of my life, even for a short while. To Mrs. Weaver and family, I love you and will be praying that God will bring you comfort in such a tragic time.

  8. Bobby Gindl on March 8th, 2012 4:01 pm

    Coming from one Ag teacher’s family to another Ag teacher’s family, my thoughts and prayers are with you both. Gayle and Toby, I can only imagine the loss you are feeling. I have nothing but good memories of Tommy. His impact and willingness to work with and for the kids will be surely missed. He was the ultimate supporter both in the family and in the school arena. He allowed others to be the best that they could be and in the process of helping and supporting them, was great himself. May the good Lord fill you both with his peace and comforting hand.

  9. Senior Chief on March 8th, 2012 3:46 pm

    I was stunned yesterday to learn of Mr. Weaver’s untimely passing. I have known him since Northview opened nearly seventeen years ago and have enjoyed these many years of friendship with him. Tommy was loved by all his students and co-workers, and his friendliness cheered us all. He will be greatly missed. Mrs. Weaver, Toby, and Tara, our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we extend our deepest sympathy.

  10. Camden08 on March 8th, 2012 3:18 pm

    He touched so many lives and will be missed by many. He was a wonderful teacher, coach, mentor, and friend. My facebook wall has been filled with all the stories starring this great man. From the Chipley game in 06, to all the stories he told us in class. I am proud to say that I knew him. Praying for the family, friends, and students in this difficult time. R.I.P Papa Weave!!

  11. District 1 FFA on March 8th, 2012 2:24 pm

    Northview Family,

    On behalf of all the FFA chapters in District 1 and especially Escambia County I would like to extend our condolences for your loss.
    Mr. Weaver was an avid supporter of many programs at Northview High School. However, there seemed to be none that he impacted more than the Northview FFA Chapter. Under Mr. Byers and Mr. Weaver’s leadership, the Northview FFA has become one of the primer chapters in the state of Florida.
    He was a great advocate of the Food, Fiber, and Natural Resource Industry and of the FFA. He will be missed by all.
    While this is a time of suffering, remember that Northview High School, the FFA, and above all Walnut Hill Florida will never be the same. He has left our community in a better state than he found it, and for that we are forever greatful.
    Mr. Weaver: Thank You for a job, done second to none, and to his family: our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Stay Strong,

    Justin Hall
    West Florida FFA President
    Sub-District 1 FFA Chairman
    District 1 FFA Secretary

  12. Elizabeth on March 8th, 2012 2:01 pm

    Mr Weaver was like a father to me. He help me in the FFA . i did not no what was FFA meat. He was like a friend to me. Love Elizabeth

  13. Bob Evans on March 8th, 2012 1:34 pm

    He was my Brother-in-law, but more like the brother I never had. He is loved by family and friends forever. He was a good, solid rock of a person. God blessed our family with his presence.

  14. 2008 chief on March 8th, 2012 1:29 pm

    Mr weaver was the best teacher that I ever had and he will be truly missed. My condolences goes to his family. Northview will never be the same without him.

  15. Sara Kyles on March 8th, 2012 12:52 pm

    Mr. Weaver was a very good hearted man and will be missed by the Chief Family who had known him. He always have been a heplful, and hardworking man.
    R.I.P Mr. Tommy Weaver

    “Class Of 2010″

  16. Caitlin Lovely on March 8th, 2012 11:50 am

    Mr. Weaver you will truely be missed, me and haley had so much fun in your class our first year being the only two juniors in DCT then being in class with you our senior year you made everyday fun and help us with everything we needed!

  17. christina donald on March 8th, 2012 11:40 am

    Mr. weaver was the heart and soul of northview high school. if it was not for Mr. weaver i would not have a job right now…..when i came back to school at the beginning of this year, he would ask me if i had or wanted a job, i told him yes….he would spend every waking moment trying to help me find a job, and now i am currently working……i can remember when i had to have 2 knees sugerys at the same time…and he would always ask me how i was doing, and call me all the time to check on me…..i love what Mr. weaver has done for me, the school, and this community….i believe we should have another memorial service like we had for wade…except we have it on the baseball/football field and release some balloons…and that we should have a big stone engraved with a special message and put it in front of one of the fields…..just like they have at bradberry park in front of drews field in memory for drew and his dad…. we (the DCT class) love you papa weav and we will miss you greatly :’( <3

  18. Daniel on March 8th, 2012 11:36 am

    Praying for the family Mr. Weaver u will b forever missed

  19. SFC Ewing on March 8th, 2012 11:33 am

    I was received a call from Mrs. Hopkins on my way to work about Mr. Weaver’s passing. Had to pull off the road for a little while. This is truly a sad time for the Weaver family. My heart and prayers go out Mrs. Weaver, Toby, Tara, and the entire Weaver family. I know Northview seems like a different place right now, but I’m sure the students, faculty, and staff will pull together to assist Mrs. Weaver, her family, and each other through this hard time.

    Remember all the great things he has left behind. Cherish those memories. It was always an honor to be greeted with a smile, handshake, and pat on the back every time I saw him at the school or out in the community. He would ask me how I’m doing, do I need anything, how’s my family, etc. I will always remember his genuine concern for people and their family. Love you Mr. Weaver and you are deeply missed, but not forgotten Sir.

    God Bless.

  20. Morgan on March 8th, 2012 10:52 am

    I will always have a special place in my heart for Mr. Weaver. He touched so many lives and i can’t wait to see him again. He always knew what to say when someone needed advice. I hope to be like him when i get older. I know him and Wade are watching over us now! Rest In Peace Big Weave. I love and Miss you!

  21. jesse grimes on March 8th, 2012 10:52 am

    Mr. Weaver was the best thing at noorthview and one of the only reasons I decided to stay at northview. There’s not a day that goes by I don’t think about how much he helped me and the 09 dct class. Big poppa weave will truly be missed and the world is a whole lot sadder now without that great man guiding the youth of that area. RIP mr.weaver

  22. peace and love on March 8th, 2012 10:41 am

    Mr. Weaver was my favorite teacher. We had so many laughs and jokes with each other when i was in school. He spolied me. I am going to miss you old man. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and childern. He will never be forgotten. Please Northview name the football and baseball field after this wonderful man. It would mean so much to the students now and the students of past years. Love you old man Weaver.

  23. ChiefForever on March 8th, 2012 10:21 am

    You will be missed soooooo much!
    but i just know youll be so happy up there!!!
    we love you always&forever.
    flyhigh<3

  24. Barbara Hollingsworth on March 8th, 2012 10:18 am

    When we got the call, we could not believed it ..call some one else to get confirmed. He will be a great loss to our lives. Me and Mr Weaver joked over Mrs Weaver all the time, but he lovedd her so much and I know she will miss him alot. I went to him and told him I need sometihing for the parade, our bus drivers had a float in the Christmas Parade, a jersey or sometihing and he went to his closet and got me his baseball jersey that he wore and I wore it in the parade and I thought a lot of him, I will miss him so much. He would do any thing for any one, all u had to do is ask. LOVE YOU >>>>>MR WEAVER

  25. Jennifer Castor on March 8th, 2012 9:58 am

    I am so sad to hear of Mr. Weaver’s untimely passing. Mrs. Weaver, Toby, Tara and the whole Northview family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you all find peace and comfort of the happy memories you have of Mr. Weaver! I’m glad I got the opportunity to work with him at Northview in the past; as a co-worker, he was always kind, helpful and had a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed!

  26. Misty Lord on March 8th, 2012 9:55 am

    Mr.Weaver was one of my favorite teachers when i was in high school. I will always remember him ,He will be missed everyone who knew him. Im sorry for Mrs. weaver and her children, you all will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  27. Jessica Conway(Mothershed) on March 8th, 2012 9:10 am

    I have and always will have a place in my heart for Mr. Weaver. He was the one that helped me thru EVERYTHING my senior year. I had my first episode of a Multiple Sclerosis attack my senior year and he helped me thru it all. I was living on my own and he helped me with everything from scholarships to doing fundraisers to help me when I was outta work. He pushed me around in my wheelchair making jokes along the way. I honestly believe if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t have walked across the stage at graduation. He gave me a shoulder to cry on when I didn’t know what to do and at times he would laugh at me because I was being to “girly” for him. I was president of DCT and don’t let that foul you he would always get on to me, Whitney, and Heather for sitting in the back talking while he was teaching. He always made me smile and without him I know 100% in my heart and soul I would not be where I am today. I love you always Mr. Weaver!

  28. Nolan Taylor on March 8th, 2012 9:01 am

    Mr. Weaver was a huge role model for me, and for everyone else at Northview. He & Ms. Weaver were there for me at a very dark time in my life, and always be thankful for there kindness. I remember all the time when I would escape working for a certain teacher, and Ms. Weaver would always tell me: “Mr. Weaver is gonna skin you alive if he catches you in the hallway!” and boy did he! I was really looking forward to him coming back after our spring break…but he’s definitely in a better place. My prayers go out to the Weaver family. I love you guys.

    “God has you in his keepings, but we have you in our hearts.”

  29. Jami on March 8th, 2012 8:54 am

    He was the best man, the best husband, dad, and pawpaw! No one could ever take his place! I miss him so much!

  30. Jennifer Kline on March 8th, 2012 8:39 am

    My thoughts and prayers to the Weaver family during this difficult time. Mr Weaver was one of the first people we met on campus when my daughter, Kaitlyn,started as a freshman in the fall of 2011. He made a point of introducing himself and offering a kind word and any assistance she or we may need during our time at the school to make high school a positive experience in her life. He will be dearly missed as it seemed he is part of the backbone of what made NHS the great school it is. I know he will not be forgotton for he made so many wonderful contributions and created such a huge impact, especially in NHS students past and present. May God Bless The Weaver Family, the faculty and staff, and students as they mourn the passing of such a wonderful man.

  31. Haley Knapp on March 8th, 2012 8:23 am

    When I heard about Mr. Weaver it was instant sadness and shock.. He was one of the gretest teachers i ever had and he helped me and other students in so many ways.. He founght for the senior class of 2010 to have a shot at throwing a homecoming parade, (which now is a tradition) He gave us drinks and snacks in class even though we wernt supposed to have them :]] He always gave us this lecture about how his class is not just a blow off class that we need to do our work if we ever want to be anything. 9 times out on 10 everyone took agriculture hoping ike hell we got his class but we were in a rude awakening when we found out he wasnt teaching that class our senior year … I am going to miss him and so is alot of other people.. he is an inspiration and will be truely missed by the chief family

  32. matt on March 8th, 2012 7:56 am

    one of the greatest mentors. i was very lucky to know him. ill never forget all the good times in the classroom and the baseball field. what a sad day for anyone that knew what kind of man he was.

  33. John Sellars on March 8th, 2012 7:40 am

    He was a good man and I will be praying for his family. Papa Weaver will be missed by many people today and until we meet again in a better place I will miss him greatly.

  34. SebastianJones on March 8th, 2012 7:30 am

    Ill never forget you Mr. Weaver! Your were an awesome person….ill never forget all of the awesome times that we had (homecoming parade, Fall Rally, or even just sitting in DCT listening to those halarious stories you shared with us! You bent backwords many times for me and many other people and I just can’t say thank you enough. Ill never forget the time when becca and I would sneak in your office and steal almost the whole basket of candy! We all had awesome times and I sure am going to miss it. Your with God now and im sure he is taking very good care of you. We all love you very much! Rest in Peace ole weaver

  35. Kay Campbell on March 8th, 2012 7:18 am

    Mr. Weaver was a icon at Northview , he will be missed by all. I would like the school board to strongly consider naming the football stadium , ” Tommy Weaver Stadium” it’s the only right thing to do. What a fitting tribute for a great man! My condolences to the family. RIP Big Weave!!

  36. Austin Albritton on March 8th, 2012 7:14 am

    I’m going to miss you and all your stories Big Weave! I wish you could really see the impact you’ve made on so many people! You were truly one of the greatest men I’ve ever met ! We love and miss you Mr. Weaver!! See you soon !

  37. parent on March 8th, 2012 6:45 am

    Prayin for everyone…. Remember he is still watchin over his “family”. We will miss him.

  38. The Moretz Family on March 8th, 2012 6:09 am

    Today the Northview High Family is hurting as we are mourning the loss of one of our very own, Mr. Tommy Weaver. I am personally impacted by his passing just as many others are in the North Escambia community because Mr. Weaver was a man we looked-up to and always depended upon for his sound sage advice. There is now a huge hole in our hearts for Tommy and the entire Weaver family as we try to comprehend this significant loss to our school and community. I know the staff and students, both past and present, are having difficulty taking this unexpected sorrowful news. But during this difficult time, let us not forget to celebrate Mr. Weaver’s many countless selfless contributions to our school and children as he made our North Escambia community a better place. May God’s peace and strength be with Mrs. Weaver and Toby and know that Lisa and I along with our children Melissa, Jonathan, Amanda and Lydia are praying for you all.

  39. mattw on March 8th, 2012 5:40 am

    WOW … this is soooo sad!!! I am a 08 graduate… I can’t believe that! …

  40. Ashley on March 8th, 2012 4:48 am

    Im with Chief Forever******

  41. Ashley on March 8th, 2012 4:47 am

    Im with Chief Fan! We should rename the Football & Baseball Field / Area after him! He never left those places without a fight when the wrong call was made & he was asked to leave! :) He’s made an impact on alot of Chiefs & Chief faculty, as well as all the fans! Northview has been forever changed & will never be the same! Rest In Peace Papa Weave!

  42. Curtis on March 8th, 2012 4:42 am

    Mrs. Weaver, My thoughts and Prayers go out to you, and your family. If their is anything Brandon and I can do, please don’t hesitate to call. PS: I totally agree with Chief Forever, on the renaming of Northview High School’s football stadium. GOD BLESS

  43. onyr1911 on March 8th, 2012 4:12 am

    My initiail thought when I heard this terrible new was… NOOO, not Papa Weave!!
    You will never be forgotten! As for Mrs. Weaver, Toby and the rest of the family, you will be in my prayers and in the prayers of many others. The halls of Northview have been changed forever and will never be the same! Love you Papa Weave!

  44. chief forever on March 8th, 2012 3:37 am

    I say northview names the renames the football stadium Tommy Weaver field. Its one of the many places that with just not be the same without Mr weaver and his signs. Oh how we all heard the fat lady sing so many times as he held up his signs and pushed the team to victor!