GA Weathersby II

GA Weathersby II, lovingly known as “Papa,” entered into the arms of Jesus on October 25, 2025. He peacefully departed this world at Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, South Carolina, surrounded by his devoted wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, on December 18, 1947, to Gabriel Alexander “GA” Weathersby and Pauline “Polly” Weathersby, GA was raised alongside his two sisters, Kathleen and Susan. From an early age, he exhibited a strong work ethic and a deep love for family values that would define his life’s legacy. A graduate of Columbia High School, he began his lifelong career in sales, ultimately becoming a successful insurance broker. With exceptional dedication and professionalism, he faithfully served his clients and community until his retirement from Turbeville Insurance after 40 years of committed service.

On May 4, 1968, he married the love of his life, Dianne, and from that moment forward, he lived as a pillar of strength, devotion, and unwavering love for his family. Together, they built a legacy of faith, hospitality, and joy that will endure for generations.

GA was a man deeply rooted in his Christian faith. He served as a councilman at Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church and later as a Deacon at First Baptist Church of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. His love for the Lord was most evident through his gift of music. Whether singing in choirs, lifting his voice with the Brothers Four quartet at Holland Avenue Baptist Church, or joyfully belting hymns from the pew, GA worshipped with passion and sincerity. Even as his health declined and his lungs weakened, he continued to sing for his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, offering praise through his lovely tenor voice until the very end.

His hobbies were a reflection of his deep appreciation for God's creation. An avid hunter and outdoorsman, he served as a former president of Ducks Unlimited. He treasured hunting trips to Texas, North Dakota, and Arkansas with his son, Gary, and close friends, where memories were made that will be cherished forever. GA also had a remarkable gift for cultivating beauty from the earth, keeping his yard with meticulous care, treating it as a work of art and a reflection of pride in his home.

He loved to travel and experience the wonders of the world, earning trips to Hawaii, London, Hong Kong, Mexico and Canada through hard work, and ultimately settling briefly in the Tennessee mountains where he retired before returning home to South Carolina. Some of his happiest days were spent walking through Dollywood, listening to gospel singers, and soaking in the peace of mountain life. These moments brought him great joy and renewed his spirit.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Dianne Weathersby; his children, Gary Weathersby (Angie) and Kimberly Long (John); grandchildren, Ashton Bayne (Ryan), Austin Weathersby, Alexander Weathersby, Ansley Speares (Jacob), Jackson Long, Luke Long, Olivia Long, and Ashton Bell Weathersby; and great-grandchildren, Sullivan Bayne and Rhett Speares. He is also survived by his sisters, Kathleen Edwards and Susan Hubble; his nephew, David Edwards (Kenyetta); and his niece, Sarah Rineheart (Gary).

He was predeceased by his parents, Gabriel and Polly Weathersby; his in-laws, Carl and Cecile Wingard; and his beloved furry companions, Bunky, Jake, Buddy, and Henna, who waited faithfully at the gates of Heaven. Though our hearts ache in his absence, we rejoice knowing that he is whole, singing once again with the choirs of Heaven, and resting in the eternal peace of his Savior. Papa’s legacy of love, faith, and family will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know him.

Services will be held under the direction of Barr-Price Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lexington Chapel. Visitation will be on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 12:00pm at Barr-Price Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel, located at 609 Northwood Road, Lexington, South Carolina, 29072. The funeral service will follow at 2:00pm at the same location. Burial will take place at Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church, 3011 Leaphart Road, West Columbia, South Carolina, 29169, following the service.

We encourage everyone who knew GA to commemorate his life by sharing memories and uploading photos on his memorial page. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

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