Rev. Joel R. Sweat

REV. JOEL R. SWEAT Saltillo - Rev. Joel R. Sweat, 67, passed away, Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at the North Mississippi Medical Center. He was born in Selmer, Tennessee on November 5, 1946 to Raymond Lee and Louise Gurley Sweat. He was a 1964 graduate of Tupelo High School, a 1969 graduate of Mississippi State and in 1973, he received his Masters of Divinity from Lexington Theological Seminary. He served churches in Kentucky, Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi as well as managed the family business, Tri-State Wholesale Florist, for several years. He enjoyed directing and participating in youth mission trips. A member of the Tupelo Luncheon Civitan Club, he served as a Distinguished President, 2000 - 2001, and also served as Chaplain for several years. He enjoyed collecting diecast model cars, reading, photography, technology and camping. He enjoyed watching westerns and James Bond movies. He especially loved his time with his grandchildren and family. A celebration of his life will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2014 at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues, Tupelo with Dr. Rick Brooks officiating. Survivors include his wife, Nancy Sweat; three children, Joel R. "Jay" Sweat, Jr., Christy Phillips (Kirk) all of Saltillo and Cary Sweat (Melinda) of Richmond, Virginia; three grandchildren, Bailey Phillips, Reece Phillips and Oliver Sweat; one sister, Deborah Blaylock (Ed) of Guntown. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2014 at W. E. Pegues, Tupelo.