Remembering Dr. Gary E. Weedman’s life of Christian education and service
Rick Cherok shares news of the passing of Dr. Gary E. Weedman, longtime Christian educator and former president of Johnson University. The article traces his ministry, academic work, leadership roles, and details regarding services and memorial giving.
- Dr. Gary E. Weedman served in ministry and higher education across multiple institutions.
- He led Johnson University as president from 2007 to 2018 and guided significant transitions and partnerships.
- Funeral service details and memorial donation information are provided.
By Rick Cherok
Longtime Christian educator and former president on Johnson University, Dr. Gary E. Weedman passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
Weedman was raised in Fairfield, Illinois, where he graduated from high school and went on to pursue a ministry degree at Johnson Bible College. Following his graduation from Johnson, Weedman served in church ministries in Illinois and Indiana while completing an M.A. in Communication from Western Illinois University and a Ph.D. in Speech Communication from Indiana University. He was also the founding minister of the Indiana Campus Christian Ministry.
In 1969, Weedman returned to Johnson as a full-time faculty member teaching homiletics, Greek, Bible, and history. He went on to serve as Academic Dean at Lincoln Christian College, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean at Milligan College (now Milligan University), Provost at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and Executive Vice President of TCM International.
Weedman returned to Johnson in 2007 to serve as the institution’s sixth president, a position he filled until his retirement in 2018. Under his leadership, the JBC board of trustees approved a new model for institutional organization, a new mission statement, and the transition from Johnson Bible College to Johnson University. Weedman also guided the university into meaningful partnerships with schools in China, led the merger with Florida Christian College that established Johnson University Florida, introduced online education to the university’s curriculum, and strengthened the university’s engagement with the Knoxville community.
Dr. Weedman was a leader in higher education in Tennessee, throughout the country, and around the world. He served on several accreditation review teams and committees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia where he taught, lectured, and built ministry and educational partnerships. Upon his retirement in 2018, Weedman was awarded a declaration of recognition by the Tennessee State Legislature for his leadership and commitment to higher education in Tennessee and beyond.
Weedman is survived by his wife of 63 years, Janis, his brother, Terry, his four sons—Mark, Matthew, Micah, and Joshua—and 10 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, March 28, at the Phillips-Welshimer Auditorium on the Johnson University Campus in Knoxville, TN, with a graveside service to follow.
Memorial donations may be made to the Audria and James Rose Scholarship Fund at Johnson University, 7900 Johnson Drive, Knoxville, TN 37998.
Rick Cherok serves as Managing Editor of Christian Standard, Executive Director of Celtic Christian Mission, and Director of Men’s Services at Kentucky Christian University.
