Seymore Weathers, 58, the managing editor and 42-year veteran of The Fordyce News Advocate, died Tuesday (July 28) after complications from a long illness.

Weathers started with the newspaper when he was 16 years old and served in a number of capacities, including press foreman, reporter, editor, layout artist, circulation manager, and photographer.

Beloved in the community and a regular at meetings and sporting events, Weathers was the face of the newspaper. He photographed athletic and community events, reported on a wide array of stories, and helped pull the paper together every week.

“Seymore and I instantly connected when I came to the paper. I knew from all of the community feedback that he was a treasure and he proved that every day,” said Roby Brock, publisher of The Fordyce News Advocate. “We talked multiple times a week and certainly throughout his hospitalization. He never lost his optimism, he never lost his faith, and he absolutely loved Fordyce and everything it gave him.”

Weathers was born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 13, 1967, to Peronie Sr. and Loreather Weathers. He was the seventh of nine children and grew up surrounded by the love and support of a large family. He is survived by his siblings, Jimmy Weathers, Peronie Weathers, Genett Mitchell, Calvin Weathers, Chris Weathers, Ralph Weathers, Theo Weathers, and Reather Weathers, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A community memorial service is being planned for 9:00 a.m. on the morning of August 22 at the Fordyce Redbugs Football Field. Guests are encouraged to dress casually and wear their Redbug colors.

Weathers incurred significant medical bills during his final weeks of life. For those who wish to help offset expenses, a “Seymore Weathers Memorial Fund” is being established at Fordyce Bank & Trust and Relyance Bank. Donations can be made at either bank beginning Wednesday, August 5^th, or a check can be dropped off at the newspaper office at 304 North Spring Street in Fordyce.

You can read more about Seymore Weathers’ life and tributes to him from the community in Tuesday’s Fordyce News Advocate.