David "Pete" Atwood Swygert, Jr. died Friday August 16th, 2013. He was born on July 29th, 1932 to Alberta Vivian Surratt Swygert and David Atwood Swygert Sr. He was a graduate of Blythewood High School and attended Clemson College where he was a member of the Pershing Rifles. After proudly serving in the U.S. Air Force he began his long career in the S.C. Forestry Commission as Richland County Ranger.

Farming was his passion with years dedicated to tree planting, hay baling, and other farm pursuits in the fields. He was a member of the Richland County Farm Bureau, serving as board member, state director, and president. He was also a long-time member of the USDA Farm Services Committee. He was named Conservation Farmer of the Year for 1980, 81-82. He was a member of Sandy Level Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Margaret Peden Swygert; his sons, Wayne (Andrea) Swygert of Columbia, Norman Swygert of Portland, OR, and Mark (Valerie) Swygert of Lexington; Sisters, Mary Ella (Edwin) Entzminger of Temple, TX, Barbara (Barry) Lux of Lexington, and Louise (Harold) TInsley of Huntsville, AL; grandchildren, Julia and Ronan; aunt Hazel Meetze of Blythewood; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his brother, John Swygert.

A funeral service to celebrate Mr. Swygert's life will be held at 3 o'clock, Tuesday, August 20th at Sandy Level Baptist Church, 408 Blythewood Road, with The Rev. Dr. Stephen Gantt officiating. Internment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 2 o'clock.

Memorials may be made to the Richland County Farm Bureau Agricultural Scholarship, PO Box 12314, Columbia, SC 29211.