Floyd Swagerty, Jr

Ray was a bright, gentle light in the arts scene for decades. I loved seeing him driving his Cutlass! May he drive it eternally!

We met in 1982, graduate students at Rutgers University. We became friends right away. He was such a gentleman. My family invited him over for Thanksgiving that year. We lost touch at the end of the school year. But I “found” him again in about 2007 when I lived in Blacksburg and he lived in Charleston. At that point we got together many times—including the Smokies and Charleston and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. We hiked, watched birds, and did photography. He was always such a sweet and...

Cousin Ray and I met at a family reunion after connecting through geneaology. He was one of the most interesting people I've ever known. Interested in so many things and good at so many skills, photography, sketching birds, making beer, cooking "lowland shrimp and grits" and on and on. Glad I knew him.

We will miss you buddy.

Ray loves birds, his green Cutlass, his dog Fred, and a hefty generator. The sweetest guy ever.

Sad to learn of Rays passing. We were colleagues at the City of Charleston for several years. He was always kind and helpful with a wry sense of humor. He did a lot for the Charleston arts community, mostly behind the scenes. He helped make Charleston the thriving arts scene it is today. Good work, Ray!

So sad to hear this. He was a kind and gentle man always with a smile. He will be missed.

Ray was always so sweet to me. Growing up playing around in the Dock St. was amazing and he always kept an eye out for me. What fun festivals we enjoyed. People who serve artistic communities with the broader public are very special & important. Not only that, he contributed tons of valuable research to help preserve the beautiful birds of SC. He gave his time, heart and effort to keep things interesting that are the most beautiful and important.

He was so knowledgeable and kind. He remains in my happiest memories.