"I am heartbroken for your family. Dustin was the epitome of a Southern gentleman. I always looked forward to any interaction with him at Juvenile Court because his smile, and always kind words could make anyone's day better. He was always glad to chat, offer assistance and give me grief about my competing UGA and Alabama stickers on my car. His bright demeanor was a joy during the days of the pandemic when nothing was certain, we attorneys were all remote but a trip to the Courthouse and an interaction with Dustin would make the day that much brighter. The world is a dimmer place without him in it. He will be dearly missed."
In loving memory of
Dustin Sweatman
June 16, 1983 - August 29, 2021
Dustin Sweatman entered into his heavenly home on Sunday, August 29, 2021, at the age of 38.
Dustin started playing the piano with his family group at the age of 12. He joined the group PureHarmony and after that he formed a group, EasternBound, with his dad and friend, Stanley Pierce. Then he got a call from Ed O'Neal of the Dixie Melody Boys to join their group singing the baritone part on his 20th birthday. He later joined the Mark Trammell Quartet as their lead singer in 2006.
With his love and knowledge of music he arranged and produced music for several regional groups. Throughout Dustin's career he was privileged to teach at the Steve Hurst School of Music. He also worked along side his best friend, Matthew Holt, and became Director of the Renaissance Choir at Bethel University. It was there he would surprise the love of his life, Blair Nunnally, with a marriage proposal at the end of one of their Christmas concerts.
Dustin wrote his first song at the age of 12, and would write many others, some of which were recorded by such groups as The Kingsmen, Mark Trammell Quartet, and Triumphant Quartet. Throughout his musical career, Dustin was honored to be nominated several times for favorite lead and baritone singer of the Singing News Fan Awards. His greatest accomplishment, though, was accepting Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.
Dustin had been married to the love of his life and best friend, Blair, almost eight years. These two were inseparable, and no greater earthly love existed than that which they shared. The two most important things in Dustin's life were his relationship with Jesus and making sure that he took care of his wife, Blair. They have an English Bulldog, Dooley, who is their baby. Dustin always called him "Daddy's Big Man."
The love he had for people and the love they had for him was obvious. He always encouraged those around him, and always thought of others before himself. He was consistent and faithful. There was never a doubt that he served the Lord, and he did so with such gladness that it made everyone around him better as a result of it. He was an incredible son, friend, husband, brother, and uncle. What an awesome journey for such a short time.
Dustin is survived by his wife, Blair Nunnally Sweatman; beloved bulldog, "Dooley"; parents, Gerald and Deborah Sweatman; brother and sister-in-law, Tim and Courtney Sweatman (Canaan, Shiloh, Tekoah); father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jeff and Terri Nunnally; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Chase and Brittney Nunnally (Sadie Rae, Wade Thomas); numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends; Bethel University staff and students and long-time singing friends.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, Rev. J. Harold (Jake) and Dovie Sweatman, Joe and Daisy Chester.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 2, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., at Grace Community Church, 7770 Hickory Flat Hwy, Woodstock, Georgia 30188. Interment will follow in Green Lawn Cemetery, Roswell, GA.
Remains will be placed in state at the Church from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. You are invited to join the choir with singing beginning at 1:30 p.m.
The service will be livestream at https://www.gcchf.org/watch-gcc
The family will receive friends at Ingram Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, 210 Ingram Avenue, Cumming, Georgia 30040, is in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"Blair - I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed my time working with Dustin so much. He was a funny, kind hearted, Dawg loving guy. There was never any doubt you hung the moon for him. You are in my thoughts & prayers. Jill Pilcher"
"Our love and prayers for the family as your hearts grieve. Leonard and Carolyn McCoy"
"We are so sorry to hear about Dustin. He was so talented. We have all of the family in our prayers. Tommy and Beverly Croy"
"So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family! "
"Gerald, Our hearts are broken. May the Lord comfort ya'll, his wife and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Jimmy and Nancy Glaze"
"I am so saddened to learn of Dustin?s passing. May you find comfort in beautiful memories. "
"Dustin will be missed greatly by the Southern Gospel Music world & by everyone he came in contact with. I was one of those who met him through a family member. He went out of his way to try to make me feel special after a horrible time in my life. His family, especially his wife, will be in our prayers. "
"Dustin was the nicest young man and there are no words to express the incredible sadness I feel upon hearing of his untimely passing. He always had a smile and a positive attitude every time I saw him and he was a joy to work with! I know that all of us connected with the court system will miss his physical presence. May his memory be a blessing to his beautiful wife and loving family. "
"Dustin was a part of the singing in our country churches long before he was popular with the big groups. Gerald and Deborah raised a fine young man. Devoted to Jesus and his parents. Loved to sing and play music. He will be so missed in this world. Praying for his family and friends. Heaven gets sweeter every day. "
"It was our privilege to have known Dustin and had him as a guest in our home on several occasions during the time he sang with Mark Trammell. Many wonderful memories, times of laughter and tears of rejoicing in the spirit of the Lord. We are heartbroken to hear of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family may God bring peace and comfort to you."
"Dustin was one in a million! Blair, Deborah and Gerald, we are so sorry for your great loss. I thought the world of Dustin, he was so kind and caring and you had no doubt that he loved his Lord. The last conversation I had with Dustin was about his mom,oh the joy on his face when he would talk about her. I am praying for all of you. Love you Blair!"
"Sarah and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Dustin. Blair our prayers are with you and the entire family during your time of grieving. Just remember that "Joy Comes in the Morning"."
"I was saddened and heartbroken to hear the news of Dustin's passing. The Gospel community has lost a beautiful voice that we loved to hear, but now Heaven is sweeter with him there. I pray for his wife, his parents Gerald & Deborah Sweatman. I pray that the sweet memories of the past will flood your mind and make your heart smile when you think of Dustin. Prayers for all. "
"I am so sad to hear the news about Dustin. My heart is broken for your entire family. Please know I am lifting you all up in prayer. All my love, Missy McWaters"
"Words can't express the pain I feel for the loss of Dustin. My heart is absolutely shattered for the Sweatman family. I give my most sincere condolences. It has been an absolute honor to call Dustin a colleague and friend. "
"You left us to soon! God needed you and he has great plans for his family! Oh how we loved your talent !"
"Blair, I am so sorry for your loss. May the Lord bless you and keep you. "
"Blair, you?re in my thoughts & prayers. May God?s provide you with His peace, comfort, & understanding during this time. Deirdre Sowell ????"
"Blair, Gerald, Deborah, Tim, Courtney and Children, We Are So Sorry For The Loss Of Dustin, We Was So Shocked To Hear This, We First saw Dustin When he was 4 Years Old When The Liberty Quartet Sang In Winder, Ga. At The masters Table, Dustin Was Just Like His daddy Gerald A Very Talented Young Man, Our Hearts Goes Out To You All and We Are Praying For God To Comfort Each One Of You, But Just Remember You Will See Dustin Again One Day, he is With Our Heavenly Father. We Love You All. Betty, Buddy and Reggie McDaniel"
"Blair, Gerald, Deborah. Tim, Courtney and the kids, I have no words. I?m just in shock. Blair, I know exactly how you feel as I lost my husband a year ago. I?m still having meltdowns. You grieve as long as you want and any way you want. If you need someone to cry on or yell at, 770-281-6207. Call me day or night I?ll come running. I will attempt to come pay my respects but I figure there?ll be hundreds of peopl so I might not get in. Love all of you. Saying I?m sorry just seems so minuscule. There are no words. Call me if you need me...any of you Sweatman?s. You?re special people. Linda Christopher"
"What a remarkable young man he was and talanted like his father. You will be greatly missed. Sweet smile now you are rejoicing at your savior singing his praises forever. "