Reverend Wink Sweat, Sr. was born on February 6, 1949, in Richmond, Kentucky to the late Edgar and Katie Sweat. At the age of 72, Wink received his wings on Friday, March 5, 2021 at Hospice Care of St. Elizabeth in Edgewood, Kentucky.
Wink graduated Madison High School in Richmond, Kentucky.He enlisted in the United States Army at age 17 and served from 1966-1969. He met and married his late wife Laverne (Hawkins) Sweat in 1976. After serving in the army, he attended the police academy at Eastern Kentucky University and served in the Richmond Police Department. He was the first of two African Americans to join the force thus integrating the Richmond Police Department. After the police department he worked FMC, Blue Grass Army Depot Base in Richmond, KY, and laterworked for the state of Kentucky as an Inspector. Once again Wink made history integrating the Construction Division of the Kentucky Transportation Department. He retired from the state after 27 years.
Wink accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age in Richmond Kentucky. Later in life he also received the calling to preach. Wink accepted his calling as an AME minister in 1976. He served in multiple churches in the state of Kentucky Wayman Chapel Georgetown, Saint James Ashland, Saint James Cynthiana (Ruth Temple Falmouth), Saint James Mayfield (Allen Chapel Wingo, Shelton Chapel Hickory), Trinity Louisville, Taylor Chapel Bowling Green, and Saint James Covington. He retired from ministry in 2011 after over 35 years of service.
When Wink was not working for government or for the Lord, he enjoyed fishing, reading, and spending time with family and friends. He also, enjoyed drawing and collecting coins.
He was preceded in death by his wife Laverne (Hawkins) Sweat,parents Edgar and Katie Sweat, his brothers George Sweat, Edgar Sweat, William Burl Sweat, and sister Margaret Powell. He was also preceded in death by a son, Ryan Sweat.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his two brothers Jerry Sweat (Pamela) and Charles Sweat (Deborah); three sisters Edna Igo(Emmitt), Annie Black (Perry), and Sarah Moran; sons ErranPersley, Kevin Dean (Jodi), Marvin Sweat, Wink Sweat, Jr. (Michelle); daughter LaNeia Hawkins; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
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