W. Trudell Swygert

Wilton Trudell Swygert went to his heavenly home on June 8, 2025. He was born October 7, 1939 to the late Wilson and Sara Bell (Kaminer) Swygert in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina. He lived his life in many places during his 85 years, including Batesburg-Leesville, Florida (for a short time when he was small), and West Columbia, but his true home was always the family farm in Leesville, SC. He was proud that he lived on land deeded to his Swygert ancestors by the King of England when they left Germany over 200 years ago. Trudell was comforted in knowing that his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would live on the same land. His greatest joy, other than his family, was riding in his golf cart around his land or spending his days looking out the window at God‘s creation.

Trudell loved the Lord and served Him in many ways during his lifetime. He was a member of the Jaycees; a Boy Scout leader; a Jamil Temple Shriner;  Springdale Masonic Lodge #412, and a member of the Cedar Grove Lutheran Church. He drove for Carolina Freight Company and ABF Freight, retiring after 38 years. Trudell served his country in the South Carolina National Guard for 30 years which saw him deployed overseas a number of times. Trudell had a very soft spot for children, especially those who with disabilities; as a Shriner for over 50 years, he was the director of the Jamil Temple Characters where he was known as The Pink Panther. He loved seeing children’s faces light up when he would walk into their hospital room with his costume on, and was very glad they couldn’t see the tears on his face. Fishing was his main hobby and whenever he could, he would go bait a hook.

Trudell is preceded in death by his parents and his sister-in-law, Linda Swygert. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kathy; daughters and son-in-laws Sharon and Dennis Hyder, Kimberly Swygert and Dave Moody, and Michelle and Marshall Ransom; four grandchildren Michael Hyder (Amanda), Heather Thivierge (Eric), and Connor and Jackson Ransom; seven great-grandchildren Daven, Lilli, Cooper (Lorick), Hannah, and Ava Hyder; Lindsey and Colten Thivierge; sister and brother- in-law, Brenda and Robert Culbertson; and brother, Jerald Swygert. In lieu of flowers, a commemorative gift may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital at 950 West Faris Rd. Greenville, SC 29605-4277 in memory of Trudell Swygert.

The family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Dr. Payton Foust, Melissa, and Misty at Lexington Family Practice Gilbert for their compassionate and dedicated care. We are also profoundly grateful to the Amedisys Hospice staff for the empathetic and gentle support they provided during his final days. Your kindness and compassion will always be remembered.

You are invited to join us for a celebration of life at Cedar Grove Lutheran Church, 1220 Cedar Grove Road Leesville SC 29070 on Wednesday June 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. The services will be officiated by Reverend Leon Rawl and Reverend Robert Culbertson. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Historic Batesburg-Leesville Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

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