Sweetwater, TN — Donald “Don” Ervin Weiss, known across East Tennessee simply as “Coach,” died on August 6, 2026, at the age of 79.
His passing has brought an outpouring of tributes from former players, students, and community members who say his influence stretched far beyond the basketball court and baseball field.
A Life Built on Faith and Family
Weiss married his wife, Judy, on July 8, 1970, and the couple shared 56 years together.
They raised two children, Tyler and Jenny, and welcomed seven grandchildren into their family. Weiss was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Sweetwater, where he served as a deacon, and he carried his faith into every part of his life, including his years on the sidelines.
Before his teaching and coaching career began, Weiss served in the United States Navy, spending time aboard the U.S.S. Suribachi and the U.S.S. Elokomin.
He was a standout basketball player in his own right, earning Hall of Fame honors at both Tellico Plains High School and Hiwassee College. He went on to complete his education at East Tennessee State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree and later a master’s degree.
Four Decades on the Sidelines
For more than 40 years, Weiss dedicated himself to teaching and coaching, guiding teams to multiple state championship appearances. He led the Sweetwater High School boys’ basketball team to the state tournament in 1982 and the girls’ team in 1980, 1981, and 1982. He later coached the Oliver Springs High School baseball team to a state appearance in 1997.
Those who knew him say his greatest impact wasn’t measured in wins. Former players describe him as someone who shaped character, offered guidance well beyond athletics, and stayed connected with many of them long after they left his teams. In 2019, Weiss extended that commitment to young people by joining the Monroe County School Board.
Weiss was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Billie Weiss McAbee. He is survived by his wife Judy, his son Tyler, his daughter Jenny, seven grandchildren, and four sisters, along with generations of students and athletes who considered him family.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Sweetwater.
