Alvin Derrick Weatherford

Alvin Derrick Weatherford, Senior, son of the late E.J. Weatherford and the late Essie Jackson Weatherford of Darlington, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 11th, 2026, following a prolonged illness. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Jones Weatherford, their three children, Monica Putich (Michael) of Bluffton, SC, Alvin Derrick, Jr. (Suzanne) of Charleston, and Amy Lima (Brian) of Summerville, SC, 14 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. He was proud of his children and often shared the uniqueness of their births; all three children were born on the exact same day, just three years apart, each.

Derrick was the youngest of five children, the late Marilyn Rogers, (Paul) of Opp, Alabama, the late J.L. Weatherford of Darlington, SC, the late Alma Joyce Odom (Henry) of Columbia, SC, and Jean Norris (Buddy) of Gallatin, Tennessee, his only surviving sibling.

Derrick was a prominent athlete from Darlington, South Carolina. He played football for St. Johns High School, and continued on to a prolific college football career at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. During his athletic tenure at UT as a starting defensive tackle, he played in three bowl games, set a record for the longest safety in college football, was nominated as an SEC Player of the Week and is memorialized on the University of Tennessee wall of fame under Coach Doug Dickey and most notably a member of the 1967 starting lineup that garnered for Tennessee an SEC and National Football Championship.

His career-ending knee injury against LSU was posted in newspapers from Maine to California. Bear Bryant, famous Alabama football coach , once stated when he came to an Athletic Conference in Florence, South Carolina, “If you have any more Derrick Weatherford’s, let me know.” Derrick’s 1967 National Championship UT Volunteers were included in two Sports Illustrated editions celebrating their accomplishment and a photo in which he appears is often included in publications when speaking of University of Tennessee and their sports prowess.

Mr. Weatherford’s career in education and sports included teaching, educational administration, high school football coaching, as well as coaching college football at Ferrum College and Virginia Tech. He ended his career in education, retiring as the High School Principal of Dillon High School in Dillon, South Carolina.

Derrick Weatherford was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served tirelessly in many callings over the years in his church, including Branch President for 8 years. He will be remembered for his compassionate service in supporting members of his family, his church, his community and God Almighty.