07/13/2024
We would like to extend our sincere condolences to Mr. Ronny Sweat’s family. He was a great man and will be dearly missed.
Durden-Hudson Funeral Directors announces the death of Mr. Ronny David Sweat, age 80, on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta.
Graveside services will be conducted Sunday, July 14, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. at Eastbrook Cemetery and Mausoleum with Reverend Rusty Moore officiating.
Visitation will be from 2 - 4 p.m. at Durden-Hudson Funeral Directors, Peebles-Curry Memorial Chapel.
Pallbearers are Terry Bell, Wendell Walden, Andy Dixon, William Riner, Albert Hall, Wayne Braswell, Danny Scarboro, and Tim Coleman.
Ronny was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was born in Sandersville, Georgia, to Willie Barney and Loree Hammock Sweat. He was a 1962 graduate of Johnson County High School. In 1963, he moved to Swainsboro, Georgia, with his wife Patricia Everett Sweat. He was also a dedicated and hardworking businessman. He worked for many years as a supervisor and department head at Swainsboro Print Works. In 1981, he opened his first of several businesses in Swainsboro. Sweat's North Main BP became a landmark and served the needs of Emanuel County under his leadership for many years. Ronny was kindhearted and tremendously generous to his community. He served as a sponsor for various Dixie Youth teams along with many men's softball teams, one of which won a national championship. He was a longtime member of the Swainsboro Jaycees and numerous hunting clubs. Not only did he enjoy hunting and fishing, he also had a passion for dirt track racing. His racing endeavors took him all over Georgia and was widely known on the dirt track circuit as the man to beat. After retiring from racing, he continued to sponsor many local drivers throughout their racing careers. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time with his family and carried a special pride for his grandchildren and the newest addition to the family, Whitley.
He is preceded in death by his son-in-law, Mark Smith; two brothers, Willie Sweat and Herman Sweat; two sisters, Marie H. Hammock and Burma S. Pacetti.
Survivors include:
Wife of 60 years, Patricia Everett Sweat of Swainsboro
Daughter: Shelli Sweat Smith of Kite
Grandchildren: Jakob D. Smith, Alivia Smith, Graci-Rae Smith, Blair Whitfield Heaton, Travis Heaton, and Blake Whitfield.
Great-grandchild: Whitley Heaton
Special Niece: Linda Whitfield of Stillmore
Brothers: Kenneth Sweat (Marilyn) and Wain Sweat both of Wrightsville
Sisters: Wilhelmina S. Walden (Billy), Claudette S. Brown (Cleon), and Shirley S. Underwood all of Swainsboro
A host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Home - Herrington Homestead.
Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.durden-hudsonfuneraldirectors.com.
Durden-Hudson Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Ronny D. Sweat of Swainsboro, Georgia.
