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 were conducted Sunday, July 14, at 4:30 p.m. at Eastbrook Cemetery and Mausoleum with Reverend Rusty Moore officiating. Visitation was from 2 to 4 p.m. at Durden-Hudson Funeral Directors, Peebles-Curry Memorial Chapel.
Pallbearers were Terry Bell, Wendell Walden, Andy Dixon, William Riner, Albert Hall, Wayne Braswell, Danny Scarboro and Tim Coleman.
Ronny was born July 8, 1944, in Sandersville, to the late Willie Barney and Loree Hammock Sweat. He was a 1962 graduate of Johnson County High School. In 1963, Ronnie moved to Swainsboro with his wife, Patricia Everett Sweat. Ronny was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was also a dedicated and hardworking businessman. Ronny 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. Ronny 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. Ronny’s 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 Ronny’s 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. Mr. Sweat is preceded in death by his son-in-law, Mark Smith; brothers, Willie Sweat and Herman Sweat; and sisters, Marie H. Hammock and Burma S. Pacetti.
Survivors include his 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 (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; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Home - Herrington Homestead.
Durden-Hudson Funeral Directors was in charge of arrangements.
