Genealogy Data Page 600 (Notes Pages)

Obit Hattiesburg American newspaper November 13, 1975

S.E.L. Weatherford, a well-known educator, died Wednesday night (Nov. 12, 1975) at Hattiesburg Convalescent Center at the age of 86.
Affectionately called "prof" by his former students, Mr. Weatherford was one of Mississippi's outstanding educators for more than 40 years. While he served as a teacher and administrator in various parts of the state, he spent more of his professional life in Forrest County, which he claimed as his home since moving at an early age from Lauderdale County with his parents.
He taught at Rawls Springs, Forrest County Agricultural High School and Petal. He served as superintendent at Petal during the late 1920's and again during the early 1940's. He was Forrest County's superintendent of education during the depression hyears of the 1930's.
Mr. Weatherford became director of the Veterans Administration Counseling Center at the University of Southern Mississippi at the close of World War II and held that position until 1951. He took great pride in having assisted hundreds of veterans in completing their education under the G.I. Bill. At various times during his professional career, he taught at USM, his alma mater, on a part-time basis. He retired from active professional life in 1954.
Mr. Weatherford graduated from Hattiesburg High School in 1910 and entered Mississippi Normal College (now the University of Southern Mississippi) when it began operations in 1912. He was among the first to receive a degree from that college and later served as president of its alumni association in 1931-33. He received the Master's Degree from the University of Mississippi and completed advanced graduate studies at George Peabody College in Nashville.
Mr. Weatherford was a member of First Baptist Church and was active in religious and community affairs until failing health curtailed his activities. He was a veteran of World Wat I, having served in France. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of several veterans organizations.
Mr. Weatherford is survived by his wife, the former Lela Cagle of Sumrall, and four children; Dr. Sidney Weatherford of Hattiesburg; Leland C. Wetherford of Clearwater, Fla.; Mrs. Robert R. Slack of Decatur, Ala., and Mrs. Dewey R. McKenzie of La Grange, Ga. He also is survived by 12 grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.
Services for Mr. Weatherford will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Hullett-Winstead Chapel, with Dr. Brooks H. Wester and the Rev. Robert R. Slack officiating. Burial will be in Roseland Park Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. Friday.
Those desiring to do so may, in lieu of flowers, contribute to a memorial scholarship fund at the University of Southern Mississippi. Donations may be mailed to the USM Foudnation, Southern Station, Box 13, Hattiesburg.