David “Tony” Weatherly

Ypsilanti, MI – Age 80

On April 3, 2021, at the age of 80, Tony closed his eyes for the last time here on earth and passed from death to eternal life. He was born on January 15, 1941, in Paris, Tennessee, to Judith (Lowry) & Elton Weatherly.  Raised in Michigan, Tony married Linda Fuller in 1965.  Although he worked many years as a mechanical engineer, Tony’s true passion was always serving in outreach —showing the love of Christ to anyone he encountered. His wisdom was always plentiful, his patience always enduring, his ability to love the lost was undeniable. His ministry transcended cultures, geographical locations, and time. He never met a stranger and was truly the hands and feet of Jesus.  Tony started in ministry at Bethesda Missionary Temple in Detroit; and in 1962, he began serving with his father as co-pastor of Bethesda Bible Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan. In the almost 60 years that followed, he put his ministry dreams into action—youth centers, crisis hotlines, boys’ and girls’ homes, street ministry, and the first “Christian nightclub.” But that was just the beginning… God then led him into many avenues of Christian music, where he managed bands and pioneered Christian concert promotion in Metro Detroit. For the past 10+ years, Tony worked as a tireless advocate for youth and suicide prevention in his local community. He coordinated after-school “hang-outs” and established Oxygen Youth as well as RU?OK – Michigan. He has received several honors and awards for his work in Washtenaw County. This includes the Rev. Thomas H. Smith Race Relations Award for Exemplary Leadership in Fostering Race Relations, the Washtenaw Area Council for Children Safe Kids Award, and the Rev. S. L. Roberson Community Leadership Award from the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office.  Tony is survived by his sweetheart and wife of 55 years, Linda Weatherly, of Ypsilanti, MI; his children, Laura Holliday and her husband Todd, David Weatherly, Jr. and his wife Chantel, and Angela Kautz and her husband Joshua; his grandchildren, Joshua, Josiah and Emma Holliday, and Jeremiah Kautz; his siblings, Rev. Ann Johnson and her husband Rev. Leon Johnson, and Jonathan Weatherly and his wife Jeanne. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Elton and Judith Weatherly, his brother Jimmy Weatherly, and his wonderful grandson Jonathan Holliday…gone too soon.  Tony’s celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021,  at Bethesda Church, 1800 S. Huron, Ypsilanti, MI.  Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. until the time of the service at noon. All are welcome, but for those who are unable to attend, you can join us live online via Bethesda Church on BoxCast.tv. Burial at Highland Cemetery will follow the service.

Linda and her family would like to say “thank you” for joining us in this celebration of Tony’s life. We sincerely appreciate your love, care, and prayers in this very difficult time.

If you would like to donate to help cover burial cost, click here for the Facebook Donation Page

View his obituary on Legacy.com

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