Dr. Thomas Lee "Doc" Weaver

Dr. Thomas Lee Weaver, "Doc," 92, of Ocala, Florida, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. He was born on September 7, 1933, in Celina, Ohio, to Laveta and William Weaver. A man of deep faith, quiet integrity, and lifelong service, Tom sought to honor God in every role he was given. He was a proud alumnus of Miami University of Ohio (B.S.), the University of Florida (M.Ed.), and Nova Southeastern University (Ed.D.). While at Miami University, he was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity, where he formed lifelong friendships and developed values of brotherhood and service that remained important throughout his life. He served in the United States Navy as a Storekeeper Third Class Petty Officer aboard the USS Mercury (AKS-20).

Tom shared 64 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Evelyn Parsons Weaver. Their life together was grounded in Christian faith, faithfulness to one another, mutual respect, unwavering devotion, and laughter. He was a deeply proud father to his daughters, Marcia and Amy. Family was the heart of Tom's life, and he delighted in every generation that followed.

He devoted 33 years of distinguished service to the College of Central Florida, serving in numerous roles including counselor, professor, administrator, Director of the Community of Scholars Honors Program, and Phi Theta Kappa advisor for 28 years. He was known for his quiet leadership, moral steadiness, and genuine care for students.

His contributions to education and student development were widely recognized. His honors included CFCC Professor of the Year, the CFCC Gabor Award, induction into the Florida Community College Activities Association Academic Hall of Fame, and numerous state and national awards through the Florida Association of Community Colleges and Phi Theta Kappa. Despite these accolades, he remained humble, always focused on serving others rather than seeking recognition.

Beyond his professional life, Tom was deeply involved in the Ocala community, serving with organizations such as the Ocala Civic Theatre, the Marion County Junior Miss Scholarship Program, the Volunteer Service Bureau, and Leadership Ocala/Marion Youth Board.

A 57-year member of First Presbyterian Church of Ocala, Tom faithfully served as Clerk of Session, Sunday School teacher, deacon, elder, and committee chair for the church's 150th Celebration. He was designated as an Honorary Life Member of Presbyterian Women because of his numerous and varied years of service to the church. He also served as Moderator of the Presbytery of St. Augustine.

Throughout the years, Tom enjoyed writing, teaching, reading, running, watching old movies, acting, traveling, watching Gator sports, and making people laugh. He especially treasured being a Girl Scout dad, a cheerleading dad, a Little Women dad, and a father-of-the-bride dad. He delighted in his role as Grandpa and Great-Grandpa, often reminding them, by word and example, of the importance of faith, kindness, and perseverance.

Tom is survived by his wife, Evelyn; his daughters, Marcia (John Sandy) and Amy (John Bryan); five grandchildren: Jordan Sandy (Katie), Mary Jo Rodrigue (Marc), Andrew Bryan (Mary Frances), Matthew Bryan (Kristen), and Daniel Bryan (Sheridan); and five great-grandchildren: Anna and Caleb Sandy, and Emery, Fallon, and Graham Bryan.

The family will receive friends during visitation on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Heirs-Baxley Funeral Home. A memorial service celebrating Tom's life and faith will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Ocala, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thomas L. Weaver Endowed Scholarship at the College of Central Florida, CF Foundation, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474-4415, or to Thornwell Home for Children, 302 S. Broad Street, Clinton, SC 29325-9972.