Gary was born in Bradley County on July 5, 1960, to Lonnie and Olline Sweeton. He was raised in Charleston and graduated from Charleston K-12. On May 29, 2000, he married his wife Katherine. Together, they built a life with love, laughter, and immense support. Although Gary never had children of his own, he was a father figure to Katherine's four children. Gary found great joy in being a papaw and pappa to his seven grandchildren. He loved being a part of their lives and showing up to see all of their sporting events, concerts, and accomplishments. He was employed by Coca-Cola from 1995-2021. In addition to his roles as stepfather and grandfather, he loved Tennessee football, gardening, fishing, metal detecting, antiquing, and making jokes. Gary was a follower of Christ. On July 2, 2024, he was called home to his heavenly father. He will be greatly missed, for he was loved by many.
He leaves to cherish his memory: wife Katherine Sweeton, stepchildren April Gatlin (Randall), Shannon Cortes (Jamie), Kathea Coto (Edgard), grandchildren Infinity Gatlin-Hayes (Jacob), Siddhartha Gatlin, Willow Cortes, Neko Cortes, Violet Cortes, Evie Coto, Abel Coto, great grandson Zen Gatlin-Hayes, brother Daniel Sweeton, sister Angelia Rogers (Timothy), aunt Glenda Watson, cousins Billy Nichols and Lisa Anderson, special niece Melanie Dale Lawson, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lonnie D Sweeton, mother, Olline Sweeton, brother Terry Sweeton, and stepson Timothy Raper.
Memorial service will be held Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Companion Funeral Home, 2415 Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN with family meeting friends from 4-6 pm; and service starting at 6pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2412 Georgetown Rd NW P.O. Box 5057, Cleveland, TN 37311

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