Rondel Dean Sweeten

Rondel Dean Sweeten, 88, of Covington, GA passed away on January 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Ron was born on December 8, 1937, in El Centro, CA. He was the son of Artis Delmar Sweeten and Florence Ora Sweeten. He graduated in 1955 from Holtville High School where he played the clarinet in the opening ceremony of Disneyland. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as a radar operator and was in reconnaissance during the Vietnam War. After serving his country, he started his career in the communications industry and earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC. He dedicated 32 years to the industry and retired from AT&T in 1998. During his 8 years in the military, he married his first wife, Carole Lee with whom he had two sons. Following her passing, he was lucky enough to find love again and married Charlotte Clark with whom he had two daughters. They were married for 59 loving years and never left one another's side. Through thick and thin they raised their four children and cherished precious memories with many grandchildren. Ron and his family joined Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church where he became an elder and enjoyed singing in the choir. After Grace closed their doors, Bethany Presbyterian Church welcomed him and Charlotte with open arms and Ron continued his love for music by singing in the choir there as well. In addition to music, Ron had many other passions and hobbies such as cars, dune buggy racing, working with stained glass, woodworking, and leather working. He was part of the Golden Fleece Masonic Lodge and active in the Yaarab Chanters Vocal Ensemble of Atlanta. Ron was a hard-working, God-fearing man who always put his family first. He had genuine compassion for anyone in his circle and was always quick to lend a hand. He loved wholeheartedly and was extremely loyal to anyone fortunate enough to know him. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Carole Lee Sweeten, son, Steven Sweeten, Father, Artis Delmar Sweeten, mother, Florence Ora Sweeten and wife, Charlotte A. Sweeten. He is survived by his children Tracy Sweeten, Andrea Sweeten, Ronda S. Rutledge, grandchildren, Bethany (Bryan) Valle, Kayla (Mitchell) Harshbarger, Clint (Kara) Rutledge, Amy Rutledge, Sarah Sweeten, Lauren S. Serrani, Hailey Sweeten, Melissa Sweeten, great-grandchildren, Christopher Mace, Jesse Mace, Hunter Harshbarger, Kynlee Rutledge, Landon Harshbarger, Rhett Rutledge, Anthony Serrani, Paul Serrani, Silvia Serrani, his sister, Nola Ann Cahoon and multiple nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Bethany Presbyterian Church with Pastor Brandon Douglas officiating; interment will follow at Bethany Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Condolences may be submitted online at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Rd., Conyers, GA, 770-483-7216.

Rondel Dean Sweeten

December 8, 1937 - January 9, 2026