Robert Herrington Sweat's Obituary
Memorial services for Robert H. Sweat, 91, of Longview will be 11 am Thursday at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Kendall Land officiating under direction of Rader Funeral Home. The family will greet friends starting at 10 am before the service. Mr. Sweat died Saturday, June 24, 2017 in Longview.
He was born August 5, 1925 and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. He was valedictorian of West End High School in Birmingham and earned letters in both football and tennis. Forgoing a scholarship to Georgia Tech, he served in WWII in both the European and Pacific theaters. After the war was over, he attended the University of Alabama (“Roll Tide!”), graduating first in his class in Chemical Engineering.
He met and married the love of his life, Mary Charlotte. Accepting a position with Tennessee Eastman Kodak, he and Mary Charlotte moved to Kingsport, Tennessee and began to raise a family. A few years later he was transferred to Texas Eastman in Longview, Texas. He loved working at Eastman for more than 40 years as Superintendent of Polyethylene Synthesis.
Participating in various capacities as a member, officer, and/or board member, he contributed to the Rotary Club, United Way, Lion’s Club, Longview Symphony, and various other organizations. In 1999, he was named ‘Man of the Year’ by the Longview Federated Clubs. He was also the Emergency Management coordinator for the Greater Longview area for several years. He was a loyal and devoted member of First Presbyterian in Longview, helping to grow and strengthen the church over the years by serving in various capacities. His other activities included spending time with his family, playing tennis, and gardening.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, two sons, three daughters, six grandchildren, and one great grandson. Over his lifetime, he changed the lives of everyone he touched and his influence will continue inspire long into the future. He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Greater East Texas Food Bank (easttexasfoodbank.org)
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