Donald "Coach" Weiss

Donald (“Don”) Ervin Weiss, affectionately known and loved as “Coach Weiss,” went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the age of 79. On July 8, 1970, Don married the love of his life, Judy, and together they built a marriage that spanned 56 wonderful years. They were blessed with two children, Tyler and Jennifer “Jenny,” and seven grandchildren. Don was a member of First Baptist Church in Sweetwater, where he served as a deacon. He proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Suribachi and the U.S.S. Elokomin. Don graduated from Tellico Plains High School and was later inducted into the Tellico Plains High School Athletic Hall of Fame for basketball. He attended Hiwassee College, where he was likewise inducted into its Athletic Hall of Fame for his accomplishments on the basketball court. He continued his education at East Tennessee State University, earning both a Bachelor of Science degree and a master’s degree. In 2019, Don became a member of the Monroe County School Board, where he continued his lifelong commitment to serving students, families, and the community. For more than 40 years, Coach Weiss spent his life devoted to what he loved, teaching and coaching. His success on the court and ball field was remarkable. He led many teams to state championship appearances, including the Sweetwater High School boys’ basketball team in 1982, the Sweetwater High School girls’ basketball teams in 1980, 1981, and 1982, and the Oliver Springs High School baseball team in 1997. Yet his greatest achievements could not be measured by wins or championships. He was more than a teacher and coach. He invested in the lives of his students and athletes, teaching lessons that extended well beyond the court or ball field. Many remained in touch with him throughout their lives, and he considered them part of his extended family and among his dearest friends. Coach Weiss was preceded in death by his parents, William Fredrick Weiss and Ruth Hunt, and his sister, Billie Weiss McAbee. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judy Weiss; his son, W. Tyler Weiss (Darby); his daughter, Jennifer “Jenny” Weiss; his seven grandchildren, Hannah, Alexander, Katherine, Augustus, Aurelia, Alia, and Aeneas Weiss; his sisters, Mary Averett, Madeline Bell, Carolyn Spradlin and Luci Holt; and the many students and athletes who became like family to him. To his students and athletes, he was simply “Coach,” a title he treasured and wore with humility, wisdom, and love. More than his accomplishments on the basketball court and baseball field, Coach Weiss will be remembered for the countless lives he touched, the character he helped shape, and the enduring example of faith, humility, excellence, and service that he provided to all who knew him. A memorial service will be held at Sweetwater First Baptist Church, 303 Wright Street, Sweetwater, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Donald "Coach" Weiss

February 11, 1947 - August 6, 2026