Sumner County residents are still reeling from the recent loss of Sumner County Sheriff Roy “Sonny” Weatherford, who died Friday at the age of 65 while attending the 2024 Sheriffs’ Association Conference in Pigeon Forge.
Although the exact cause of Weatherford’s death has not been released, law enforcement officials have said his death was the result of a sudden medical condition.
A procession of law enforcement vehicles brought him home to Gallatin from Pigeon Forge, a long line of flashing blue lights passing by the sheriff’s office on Smith Street where the Gallatin community members gathered to honor Weatherford’s four decades of service to middle Tennessee.
Members of law enforcement in every county stood in the rain and blocked traffic as the processional passed through, with people lining up on overpasses to honor Weatherford.
Randy Nash, director of Sumner Funeral and Cremation, which will be handling the funeral arrangements, said, “The sight of all those patrol cars passing by the sheriff’s office on Friday night was chilling—there were police and sheriff vehicles from everywhere—even officers from Knox County drove all the way here to bring Sonny home.”
Nash served as a reserve deputy under Weatherford for 10 years, and added, “Sonny was the epitome of a public servant.”
Weatherford graduated from Gallatin High School and Volunteer State Community College in the 1970s before starting his career in law enforcement with the Portland Police Department. He rose in the ranks from patrolman to sergeant, following in his father’s footsteps, who worked in the sheriff’s office and retired as a sergeant.
Weatherford was first appointed Sumner County Sheriff in 2010 after the death of Sheriff Bob Barker. He won the election for the position the same year and continued to serve in the office for the next 14 years.
After winning reelection in 2022, Weatherford said, “I will continue to work hard every day to lead the men and women of the sheriff’s office in a direction that will provide enhanced service and protection to those who live here.”
Under Weatherford’s leadership, the Sheriff’s Department implementednew technology to fight and solve crime, such as body cameras. Weatherford is also credited with seeing a School Resource Officer placed in every school in Sumner County.His department was also the first law enforcement agency to roll out its own app. In 2017, Weatherford was named Public Servant of the Year at the Sumner County Council of Government dinner.
Statements have poured in from friends and colleagues across the county and state.
“Sheriff Weatherford dedicated his life to the service and protection of our community, embodying the very essence of commitment, bravery, and integrity,” said Sumner County Mayor John Isbell. “In every action and decision, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice and the well-being of every citizen.”
Ken Weidner, director of Sumner County’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA), said, “I knew Sonny both personally and professionally. In the early 80s, he was my sergeant at the Sheriff’s office. Our careers in public safety kind of grew up together. He left a huge legacy in the Sheriff’s Office—that office will be fine because he filled it with such high-quality public servants. But to me, he was a friend—I went duck hunting with Sonny, and we talked every week. He was someone who would text me at 3:30 in the morning to ask if I was okay when the county was having some kind of emergency. My boys loved him—and I will miss him every day.”
State Rep. Johnny Garrett called Weatherford a “steadfast public servant that dedicated his life protecting the citizens of Sumner County” and asked the community to join him in prayers for the family, including Weatherford’s wife Tammy and their two sons.
State Rep. William Lamberth released a statement which read, “We just lost a true hero in Sumner County. The unexpected loss of Sheriff Sonny Weatherford leaves a tremendous void in our community and in our hearts. Not only have the people of Sumner County lost a phenomenal sheriff, but he has been my dear friend for 20 years. Sonny proudly answered the call to duty with a distinguished career in law enforcement that spanned four decades. His many contributions to Sumner County and his work to advance public safety in Tennessee will be felt for many years to come. Above all else, Sonny was a deeply principled man. His strength of character, good nature, and servant’s heart served as an example for us all. We miss him and we pray for his family during this difficult time.”
In the wake of Weatherford’s death, Chief Deputy Eric Craddock, who is leading the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, submitted a statement, which read in part:
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Sheriff Roy “Sonny” Weatherford. Sheriff Weatherford dedicated his life to the service and protection of our community, embodying the very essence of commitment, bravery, and integrity. In every action and decision, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice and the well-being of every citizen. Though Sonny is no longer with us, his legacy and influence will continue to guide and inspire us. May Sonny rest in peace, and may his legacy endure in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege to know and work alongside him.”
The family also submitted a statement that thanked all the agencies for assisting in bringing Weatherford home. “Every call, message, and show of support has brought comfort to our family,” read the statement. Special thanks to our extended family at the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office for walking beside us every step of the way.”
Funeral services will be conducted at noon on Friday, Aug. 9, at the Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville, with Gallatin Police Assistant Chief Bill Sorrells officiating. Visitation with the family is scheduled to take place at the church from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8, and Friday at 11 a.m. until the service begins at noon. Interment will follow at Crestview Memory Gardens with Sumner County Deputies serving as pallbearers.
