BLYTHEWOOD – John Davis Swygert Sr., 72, of Blythewood, died Tuesday, March 15, 2016. Born Sept. 25, 1943 in Columbia, he was a son of the late William Earl Swygert and Ann Elizabeth Whitworth Masters.
John was a graduate of Eau Claire High School, Class of 1962. After many years as the Service Manager for Oliver Motor Company in Columbia, John owned and operated Swygert’s Auto Heating and Air Conditioning for 27 years.
A MOPAR enthusiast, John was a well- known race car owner and driver, racing the IHRA and NHRA circuits across the U.S. with his cars, Southern Sting and Southern Sting II. Known as “Mr. MOPAR,” he built his own cars and engines, as well as engines for many other drivers nationwide.
Along with his love of racing, he was an avid gardener, sharing his well-known tomatoes throughout the community.
John always put his family first. He was a loving husband and proud father and grandfather. He loved his church family at Cedar Creek Baptist Church and his many friends. He will be missed by many. He would be thankful for all of the support that has been given to his wife and family during this time.
Survivors include his wife, of just shy of 40 years, Audrey L. Bonds Swygert; children, John Davis Swygert Jr. of Gaston, Bryan Lewis Swygert (Pansy) of Gaston, Tara Dawn Turner (Eric) of Blythewood and Brandy Wayne Norton of Elgin; grandchildren, Brooke, Bethany, Brittany, Brianna, Jessie, Marah, Cameron, William; three great-grandchildren; and a brother, William E. Swygert (Judy) of Winnsboro.
A funeral service will be held at 1 o’clock, Saturday, March 19, at Cedar Creek Baptist Church with Dr. James W. Thompson III officiating. Interment will follow in Sandy Level Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 11:30 a.m. Serving as pallbearers will be Archie Owens, Gill Roof, Ernie Wright, Irby Goff, Jack Freeman and Leon Cureton. Members of the Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study of Cedar Creek Baptist Church are invited to serve as honorary pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to Homeward Bound Pet Rescue, P.O. Box 4335, Irmo, S.C. 29063; to the Cedar Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, 1920 Cedar Creek Road, Blythewood, S.C. 29016 or charity of one’s choice.
Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.
Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.
