Don Weathington passed from this world on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013 after a wonderful life.

Born in Gadsden, Ala. he was a graduate of Gadsden High School and Auburn University. He retired to Tryon in 2001. He was a devoted father and husband who touched many lives in friendship. His great life’s work was in his dedication and service to others, working for almost 30 years as a counselor and psychologist in Talladega and Enterprise, Ala.

He was a Vietnam veteran and conscientious objector, bravely completing a full tour of duty as a combat and helicopter medic without ever carrying a weapon. Athletic while healthy, he garnered many distinctions including playing on softball championship teams, coaching multiple youth league soccer champion teams, including a state championship, and two holes in one on the golf course.

He was a master storyteller and entertainer, and in his later years dedicated himself to writing. He wrote multiple small, unpublished works, a weekly editorial column for the Tryon Daily Bulletin (NC), and a stories collection “Conversations from Birdland;” he also authored a novel, Southern Crossfire.

His network of friends and loved ones is vast, and we are all greatly saddened by his loss; the world is a better place from his having been part of it.

He is survived by his wife, Faith; his three children, Ivan, Buffy and Nathaniel; his mother, Wilma; and his grandchildren Brian, Arianna, Skye and Eila.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, Oct. 5 at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Tryon. The family requests that in lieu of sending flowers or gifts, donations be made in Don Weathington’s name to the Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry of Columbus, N.C., P.O. Box 834, Columbus, NC 28782, www.tboutreach.org or a charity of your choice.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com