Wayne Sweat

Wayne Sweat was born in Jamestown, GA, outside of Waycross on July 29th, 1938 to Cecil and Nerine Sweat. 

He spent his childhood swimming in the Satilla River, walking the train tracks and working on the tobacco farms with his brother, Larry.

In high school, he worked at the US 1 Drive in Theater, half a mile from his house.  He developed a love for cars and football, playing for the Wacona Hornets in his high school years.

After high school, he played football as a walk-on South Georgia College. Later he studied engineering at Southern Technical College.  He soon married a pretty girl he met at Playland Skating Rink in 1958.  Her name was Melba Henry. 

Wayne and Melba lived in and around what is now known as Brookhaven for several years.  Their first two children were born in the early 60s.  They moved to Gwinnett in 1974.  Wayne built every home they lived in for the next 30 years, including an innovative energy efficient home he designed before it became a trend.

Wayne was an entrepreneur & business owner, selling his heating & air conditioning business at the age of 59 to travel, continue his classic car collecting and play more golf.  He ran in every Peachtree Road Race for 24 years. Wayne was a long time member of First Baptist Church of Snellville and, later, a charter member of Cross Pointe Church in Duluth, GA. He had many happy times with his friends from those churches.

He remained nostalgic for his hometown of Waycross throughout his life.  Wayne never met a stranger.  Facebook’s algorithm for “mutual friends” has nothing on Wayne Sweat.  He could discover a mutual friend with someone a thousand miles from home in minutes.  He was clever and witty and boy, could he tell a story.

After 7 years living with Parkinson’s and, later dementia, Wayne allowed Jesus to take him home on July 27, 2021.  He was two days short of his 83rd birthday. 

He is predeceased by his father and mother, Cecil and Nerine Sweat, and his brother, Larry.  Wayne will be missed dearly by his wife, Melba, their children: Lisa Sander, Tony Sweat (Nadia), Jennifer Avrett (Daniel) and his grandchildren Noah Avrett, Elijah Avrett, Margo Sweat, Sasha Sweat and Christopher Sweat.  He is also survived by his sister, Lynette Hutchinson (Jim). We’re thankful for his peace.

A Memorial service will be held July 31, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. from the Mountain Creek Baptist Church, 1116 Mountain Creek Church Rd, Pendergrass, GA 30567 with Dr. James Merritt and Pastor Bruce Hardy officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. at the church prier to the service.

Evans Funeral Home, 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia 706-367-5467

Online Condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com