John Edgar Weems

John Edgar Weems February 23, 1932 – November 16, 2025 Venice, Florida

John Edgar Weems, 93, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, in Venice, Florida. Born on February 23, 1932, to Nathaniel and Ellen Weems, John lived a long life filled with purpose, curiosity, and kindness.

A true Renaissance Man, John excelled in every chapter of his life. A gifted scholar, he earned three degrees from Vanderbilt University, including a Doctorate in Education. His distinguished 38-year career in higher education included serving as an administrator at Middle Tennessee State and later as President of Meredith College. Under his leadership, Meredith became an early pioneer in academic technology—installing microcomputers campus-wide in 1982 and introducing multiple software systems he personally designed and authored. His forward-thinking vision placed the college far ahead of its time.

John was also a man of many passions: a superb photographer, an inventor, a talented writer, a devoted lover of country music, a creative tour guide, and a pretty fair golfer. His mind was endlessly curious, and he approached every experience with joy, enthusiasm, and an unwavering belief that life’s moments—large and small—were often “the best he had ever had, seen, or experienced.”

He was the former President of the Blowing Rock Country Club, where he built lasting friendships and continued to share his warm, uplifting spirit.

John and his beloved wife, Ruth Ellen Berry Taylor Weems, explored the world together—riding elephants in Thailand, camels in Egypt, and dune buggies across the sands of Namibia. Their adventures reflected the wonder and excitement with which he embraced life.

John is survived by his wife, Ruth Ellen Berry Taylor Weems, and a large, loving family:

· Son John Mark Weems (Elizabeth)

· Son David Weems (Cheryl) and grandson Jonathan Weems

· Daughter Nancy Baker and granddaughter Madison Baker

· Son Tommy Taylor (Tiffany), granddaughter Taryn Anderson (Matt), and great-grandchildren Griffin and Ivy Anderson

· Son Berry Taylor (deceased); daughter-in-law Kristine Taylor; grandchildren Berry Taylor Jr. (Erin) and great-grandchildren Brooks, Ward, and Holland Taylor; Megan Taylor (Greg Carrick)

· Son David Taylor (Elizabeth); grandchildren Joshua Taylor (Presley), Justin Taylor (Chris Sloan), and Jessica Corriea (Jake)

John was preceded in death by his first wife, Frankie.

Gentle, positive, caring, and endlessly upbeat, John had a gift for making everyone around him feel valued. He was easygoing, warm, and encouraging—someone who truly saw the best in people and the world.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer of 2026 in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, where friends and family will gather to honor a remarkable man whose legacy of kindness, leadership, and curiosity will continue to inspire all who knew him.