Sumner County Sheriff Roy ‘Sonny’ Weatherford dies

SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Sumner County Sheriff Roy “Sonny” Weatherford has died after serving the community for more than 40 years.

Sumner County posted the following statement from the mayor’s office on Facebook on Friday, Aug. 2:

It is with a heavy heart that I 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. Through the years, he has faced countless challenges with courage and determination, always putting the safety of others above his own. But beyond the badge and the uniform, Sonny was a person of deep compassion and empathy. He understood that the role of a sheriff was not just about enforcing the law, but also about fostering trust and building relationships within the community. He took the time to listen, to understand, and to help those in need, often going above and beyond the call of duty. To Tammy and the family, we extend our deepest condolences and pray for God’s comfort during this time of profound loss. Your loss is immeasurable, and we share in your grief. We are profoundly grateful for the sacrifices you have made, supporting Sonny as he dedicated his life to serving others. As we reflect on Sheriff Weatherford’s legacy, let us remember the values he stood for: justice, integrity, and compassion. Let us honor his memory by striving to live up to these ideals in our own lives. 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.

Sumner County Chief Deputy Eric Craddock told News 2 the “sea of blue” honoring Weatherford was set to leave Pigeon Forge at 7:15 p.m. Friday and head toward Sumner Funeral and Cremation in Gallatin. Sumner County EMS even posted a video of the law enforcement vehicles passing by.

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Weatherford became the sheriff of Sumner County in 2010. He began his career with the sheriff’s office in August 1985 after serving as a patrol officer in Portland.

He graduated from Gallatin High School and received his degree at Vol State Community College.

Weatherford is survived by his wife, Tammy, and two sons, Michael and Dustin.

Numerous Tennessee lawmakers, officials, law enforcement agencies, and emergency response agencies have shared their prayers and condolences for Weatherford’s family and colleagues following his death:

Sumner County Sheriff Sonny Weatherford dedicated more than 40 years of his life to protecting his community with great compassion, courage, and leadership.

He will be deeply missed by many in Tennessee. May God comfort his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)

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.

Tennessee House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland)

Sheriff Weatherford was more than a fellow public servant; I had the honor of calling him a friend. His dedication and commitment to Sumner County were unwavering, and the impact of his absence will be felt deeply by all who knew him. Sheriff Weatherford’s service to our community was marked by integrity, compassion, and a relentless drive to protect and serve.

Keeping Sumner County safe through its recent growth required strategic thinking and preparation, and Sheriff Weatherford rose to the challenge with remarkable skill and foresight. His leadership and dedication ensured that our community remained secure and well-prepared for the future. We will forever be grateful for his honorable service and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.

State Sen. Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin)

I’m shocked and heartbroken by the loss of a friend and a true public servant, Sheriff Sonny Weatherford. My prayers are with his family, especially his wife Tammy and sons Michael and Dustin, as well as the men and women in the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office.

State Rep. John Rose (R-Cookeville)

Sumner County Sheriff Sonny Weatherford passed away this afternoon.

A steadfast public servant that dedicated his life protecting the citizens of Sumner County.

Please join Kara and me in prayer for his sweet wife Tammy and his entire family during this difficult time.

State Rep. Johnny Garrett (R-Goodlettsville)

It’s a tough day in Sumner County with the passing of Sheriff Sonny Weatherford. He was a great public servant and a true friend of our court system. He will be missed.

Judge David Howard

Director of Sumner County Schools, Dr. Scott Langford, and the SCS family are devastated this evening. Sheriff Weatherford was instrumental in protecting our students and staff by working hard to provide a police officer in every school. His commitment to the safety of our students, staff, and community will always be remembered.

“Sonny Weatherford was a dear friend and great man. His impact on safety in Sumner County is unparalleled. We were blessed to know Sonny. For our schools, Sonny led the building and development of the #1 SRO division in the nation. Please join me in praying for the Weatherford family,” Sumner County Schools Director, Dr. Scott Langford said.

His dedication to the well-being of our students and staff went beyond his professional duties; he truly cared for the Sumner County community. We invite the community to come together during this difficult time to honor his legacy and support his family. We are committed to continuing Sheriff Weatherford’s vision for a safe and nurturing educational environment for all students and staff. Our prayers are with Sheriff Weatherford’s family, friends, and colleagues during this challenging time. He will be greatly missed.

Sumner County Schools

A tremendous loss for Sumner County.

Gallatin city government

I regret to share the news that Sumner County Sheriff Roy “Sonny” Weatherford has passed away. Please join with the THP Nashville District and the TN Highway Patrol as we extend our condolences to his family, friends and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office .

Tennessee Highway Patrol Col. Matt Perry

Sending our deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters in Sumner County after hearing about the loss of Sheriff Sonny Weatherford. May God give each of you comfort during this difficult time.

Wilson County Sheriff’s Office

We are sad to announce that Sheriff Roy “Sonny” Weatherford passed away from a sudden medical condition. He was a great sheriff and a pioneer of law enforcement in Sumner County. He was also a friend to the entire Tennessee Sheriff Community. Please join us as we pray for the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office and the Weatherford family.

Dickson County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Hopper and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office would like to send our condolences to the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office and the family of Sheriff Sonny Weatherford. You all are in our prayers.

Smith County Sheriff’s Office

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sheriff Weatherford’s family and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office family. Sheriff Weatherford was a great friend and partner with the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office. He will be greatly missed.

Robertson County Sheriff’s Office

We would like to extend our condolences to the Sumner County Sheriff Department and the family of Sheriff Roy “Sonny” Weatherford. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Trousdale County Sheriff’s Department

Sheriff Weatherford served as sheriff of Sumner County since 2010. He was a geat person and loyal servant to his community. We are sending prayers to his family, his coworkers, and his community.

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

The Sheriff’s Office is saddened to hear of the passing of Sheriff Sonny Weatherford. Please keep the family, as well as the Sumner County Sheriffs Office in your prayers during this difficult time.

Macon County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Sonny Weatherford served the people of Sumner County with integrity and compassion. I am proud to have known him and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office. His legacy will live on. Rest in peace, my friend.

Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall

Sheriff Weatherford served as sheriff of Sumner County since 2010. He was a geat person and loyal servant to his community. We are sending prayers to his family, his coworkers, and his community.

Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department

Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues at the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office for the loss of Sheriff Sonny Weatherford.

We know this is a difficult time and are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

We are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Sumner County Sheriff Sonny Weatherford. Sheriff Casey Cox and the men and women of the Cumberland County Sheriffs Office offer our deepest condolences to Sheriff Weatherford’s family and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Weatherford was a great man and leader in his community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sheriff Weatherford’s family, friends, and community during this difficult time.

Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office

The Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association and the Board of Directors are saddened to hear the passing of Sheriff Sonny Weatherford. Please lift the family and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office up in prayer during this difficult time.

Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association

We are heartbroken to report the passing of Sheriff Sonny Weatherford. Please join us in praying for his family, his department, and the community as we grieve his passing.

Gallatin Police Department

We are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Sumner County Sheriff Weatherford. Sheriff Weatherford was a great man and a wonderful leader for the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sheriff Weatherford’s family, Sumner County Sheriffs Office, and the Sumner County Community during this time.

Hendersonville Police Department

The City of White House Police Department offers our deepest condolences to the family of Sheriff Sonny Weatherford and to the members of the Sumner County Sheriff’s Department.

White House Police Department

It is with great sadness we pass on the news about Sheriff Weatherford.

Portland Police Department

Everyone say a prayer for our Sumner County Sheriffs Office partners as they endure the passing of their Sheriff.

Lafayette Police Department

The Red Boiling Springs Police Department would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends and the entire Sumner County Sheriff’s Office with the passing of Sheriff Roy “Sonny” Weatherford. Sheriff Weatherford was the epitome of what a sheriff should be and will be greatly missed by all those that had the privilege and honor of ever knowing him.

Red Boiling Springs Police Department

Our deepest condolences go out to the Sumner County Sheriff’s Department and the family of Sheriff Roy “Sonny” Weatherford. Sheriff Weatherford’s dedication to service, his unwavering commitment to justice, and his deep compassion for the community he served were truly remarkable. May Sheriff Weatherford rest in peace.

Mt. Juliet Police Department

We share with heavy hearts the passing of Sheriff Sonny Weatherford. Please join us in praying for his family, the Sheriff’s Department, and the community of Sumner County as we grieve his passing and offer our condolences.

Westmoreland Police Department

Our deepest condolences go to the family, friends, and coworkers of Sumner County Sheriff Roy “Sonny” Weatherford, as we are saddened to learn of his passing. Our prayers are with you.

Coopertown Police Department

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Sheriff Roy [“Sonny”] Weatherford. Sheriff Weatherford dedicated his life to serving our community with unwavering commitment and integrity. His leadership, compassion, and dedication to public safety have left an indelible mark on all of us.

Throughout his career, Sheriff Weatherford was not just a law enforcement officer, but a mentor, friend, and pillar of strength. He worked tirelessly to ensure our safety, and his efforts have profoundly impacted the lives of many. His legacy of service and kindness will continue to inspire us all.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sheriff Weatherford’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

Rest in peace, Sheriff Weatherford, we will take it from here. Thank you for your service.

Sumner County EMS

The members of Shackle Island Fire extend our condolences to the family and members of the Summer County Sheriff’s Department.

Shackle Island Fire Department

Our community mourns the loss of such a wonderful man. He took great pride in his position as Sheriff and cared deeply for his citizens. We share our deepest condolences to his family and friends for their loss of such a wonderful soul.

Rest easy, Sheriff. We will take it from here.

Westmoreland Fire Department

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A tribute to Weatherford has been set up outside of the sheriff’s office in Gallatin. In addition, the flags have been lowered outside of the Sumner County Courthouse in his honor.

No additional details have been confirmed about the circumstances surrounding Weatherford’s death.

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