Ronald "Ron" L. Sweatt

Ron Sweatt, 78, of Gilbert, SC, passed away on June 23, 2026.

He was born on July 17, 1947 in Dillon to Charlie and Margaret Sweatt. Ron spent his life dedicated to family, friends, and Lake Murray that he loved so much. He was known for kindness, humor, generosity, work ethic, love of family, and again his love for the lake.

Ron was a graduate of Eau Claire High School and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He worked as cutting tool specialist then he eventually opened his own successful cutting tool business for over 50 years. Ron's work ethic and integrity allowed him to retire in 2012. Throughout his life, he enjoyed the lake, his family and friends.

More than anything, Ron loved his wife, kids and grandkids. Ron truly loved helping people. He touched many lives and will be remembered for the love he authentically showed to others with his sense of humor.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years Wanda D Sweatt; his children, Rhonda Sweatt (Sharon) and Melinda Sweatman (Trent); his grandchildren, Destiny, Kennedy, A'siah, and Kylee; sibling, Brenda Beckham; and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Charlie and Margaret Sweatt; and his siblings, Ken Sweatt, Jimmy Sweatt, and Mickey Sweatt.

Memorial service will be held 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Friday, June 26, 2026 at Beulah Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Ron's life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beulah Methodist Church in his memory. Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel is assisting the family will arrangements.

The family would like to thank his family, friends, Lexington County EMS, medical teams at Lexington Medical Center and Prisma Health Richland for their love, support, and care during this time.

Though Ron, "Papa/Captain Ron" may no longer be with us in person, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Kylee

Today may not be a good day for us, but it is a good day for him because he is finally resting peacefully and free from pain. Papa was the strongest person I have ever known. He could go into the hospital and come out stronger than before. He was one of the hardest working people I knew. He never wanted to sit down and take a break; he was always looking for something to fix or someone to help. He was restless, but that determination was part of what made him who he was.

Papa was caring, funny, and dependable. He never let me or our family down. He was my best friend, and I will always miss him. There will never be a day that I do not think of him.

I will never forget the days we spent at Sandy Beach, and I will always cherish the memories of watching fireworks over the lake together. As sad as it is to know that you will not be at my graduation or other important moments in my life, I know you will be watching over me and cheering me on every step of the way.

It is heartbreaking that you had to leave us, but we find comfort in knowing that you are no longer suffering. We love you so much, Papa, and you will always hold a special place in our hearts. I hope the time you had here was everything you wanted it to be, and I hope you lived every second of it to the fullest.

A’siah

My Papa was a truly special man. From the very first moment I met him, he made me feel like an instant part of the family, and that feeling of belonging was a gift he gave so freely. He had a remarkable way of making everyone feel seen and loved. Papa, your kindness, humor, and spirit touched so many. Thank you for everything; you will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts.

Destiny

I want to tell you about my Papa, Ronald Sweatt, Ron to most people, but Papa to me.

If you knew anything about my Papa you knew he was smart, loving, caring, helpful, and one of the hardest-working people I have ever known. He was the kind of man who never hesitated to give his time to anyone who needed it. If something was broken, he would do everything he could to fix it. If someone needed a hand, he was always there. He made people's lives better simply by being himself. For me, though, he was so much more than a grandfather. I spent most of my life without a father, and for all of my life, my Papa made sure I never felt that way. He taught me what it meant to work hard for the things I wanted. He made me feel so loved and appreciated as well as making sure he knew he was proud of me every chance he could. Most of the important lessons I've ever learned came from him, whether he realized it or not. Some of my favorite memories are the simple ones. Going fishing together, eating dinner together, beating him at cards, watching Tom and Jerry, and spending time with him while he "piddled" around in his shops. Moments like that are the ones I'll carry with me forever. He loved his silly jokes, making fun of us, and always calling us "turds”. He especially loved messing with my Granny just to get a reaction out of her. Those little things became part of who he was, and they're the things that are impossible to replace. More than anything, Papa was proud of his family. His children and grandchildren were his greatest accomplishment. If the world could see us in the way he talked about us, cared for us, and always showed up for us, we would all be famous. What I will miss most is knowing I can't call and check on him anymore. I'll miss hearing his voice, hearing his jokes, and just knowing he was there no matter what. Papa gave us his love, his wisdom, his time, and his entire heart. I am who I am because of him.

And while our hearts are broken, we can find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on in all of us, in every lesson he taught, and in every life he touched.

For everything you are, for everything you were, and for everything you’ve given me,

We love you, Papa

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