Frederick C. Sweat

Frederick "Fred" Carl Sweat December 23, 1941 – November 14, 2025
Frederick Carl Sweat, 83, of Stafford, Virginia, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025, surrounded by loving friends and family. Born on December 23, 1941, in Pierce County, Georgia, he was the son of the late Alberta Tillman Sweat and Woodrow W. Sweat. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Wanda S. Mandel, and his niece, Julie Mandel Sinha.
Fred was lovingly raised by his parents and his maternal grandmother, Nicy Johnson Tillman. His childhood residences spanned Augusta and Savannah, Georgia; Jacksonville, Florida; and on the family farm in southeast GA town of Blackshear. These early environments shaped his spirituality, work ethic, his resilience and his deep appreciation for nature.
In the 1980s, Fred relocated to Virginia to further his distinguished railroad career as a conductor and engineer with Amtrak's Auto-train. Railroading was more than a profession for Fred; it was a craft where he could combine a love for people and a passion for safety. During this time, Fred built lifelong friendships in Stafford, which became his chosen home, a place that remained significant until his passing. Fred is survived by his daughter, Lori Anne Franklin (Brad) of Darien/Augusta, GA, and his son, Frederick Carl Sweat II (Stephanie) of Pierce County, GA. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Patricia Dianne Lee Sweat of Alma, GA. His grandchildren-Julie Anne Franklin (Bobby Davis) of Hilton Head Island, SC; Thomas Elliott Franklin (Brielynn) of Marietta, GA; and Katherine Anne Sweat and Emily Elizabeth Sweat of New York City-were a source of tremendous pride. He was blessed with four great-granddaughters: Vivianne, Emilia, Scarlett, and Ava, each of whom brought him immeasurable joy.
He also leaves behind beloved nephews Jeff Feagin (Shari) and Glenn Feagin (Carrie Lynn Lee); cousins Carrie Lee (Todd) Kinlaw, Ann Tillman Miller, Rick Tillman (Sally), Earl Tillman (Carolyn), and Paul Davis; along with countless close friends in Stafford, whom he loved like family.
Fred's life story is one of service, hard work, and adventure. His career began early as a paper boy in Augusta and later as an usher at the Historic Lucas Theatre in Savannah. At just 16, with his mother's permission, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He proudly served aboard the USS Charles P. Cecil, a ship visited by President John F. Kennedy while Fred was aboard and recognized for its role during the Cuban Missile Crisis, when it forced the Soviet Foxtrot-class submarine B-36 to surface on October 31, 1962. Fred's pride in this historic moment stayed with him throughout his life. After marrying Patricia Dianne Lee in 1961, he returned to the Navy to complete his service. Following his naval duties, the young couple purchased their first home in
Jacksonville, Florida. There, Fred pursued college studies while working as a deputy sheriff and photographer for Duval County. His determination to provide for his growing family led him to join the Merchant Marines as a cook and later to work alongside his father as a journeyman carpenter in West Palm Beach. In the late 1960s, he returned to the family farm, where he ultimately began his long and accomplished career with Seaboard Coastline Railroad, a path that would eventually lead him to Amtrak and Virginia.
In the eighties, Fred began his legacy which would become Sunnyside. In addition to his railroad career, Fred was an entrepreneur at heart. He founded and built Sunnyside Nursery and Garden Center in Stafford, Virginia, a business that quickly became a cherished part of the local community. Fred was inspired by his sister Wanda's earlier work with rare Azalea propagation. Sunnyside eventually became known not just for its plants and garden goods, but for the feeling of home and hospitality that Fred cultivated there. His business reflected who he was-generous, down-to-earth, and devoted to helping things and people grow. He was proud to offer over 50% of American produced goods in his store including Corinthian Bell Wind chimes, Southeast Georgia Gall berry Honey, and handcrafted statuary. He was also proud to offer products produced from around the world, reflecting his deep respect for all cultures and the global economy. Fred never met a stranger and had an uncanny gift for turning acquaintances into lifelong friends. He cherished simple pleasures: Memorial Day gatherings at Sunnyside, spirited conversations about political trends or foods like Fufu and south GA produce. His customers did not miss out on a crop of apples, tomatoes, pecans, Vidalia onions, Satsuma oranges, Virgina apples or Honey. Fred believed in Honey! Above all, he loved sharing pieces of his past with the next generation. His legacy is one of love, perseverance, and connection.
Fred leaves behind a family who loved and respected him, friends who cherished him, and a community made better by his presence. His memory will continue to grow-like the gardens he nurtured, the stories he shared, and the lives he touched.
Information regarding the Celebration of Life will be announced at a later time. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frederick, please visit our floral store.