Edward Murray (Eddie) Sweatt (89) of Holden Beach died Oct. 29. Born Nov. 1, 1933, he grew up in Cheraw, SC, and had lived at Holden Beach since 1977. He and his wife Carolyn owned and published The Brunswick Beacon newspaper in Shallotte for 33 years.

Eddie began a successful 59-year career in the newspaper business at age 11, delivering The Charlotte Observer and The State early every morning on his bicycle in Cheraw. He went on to become a “printer’s devil” and linotype operator at The Cheraw (SC) Chronicle, later to become its editor, publisher, and part-owner. For many years he was vice president of Community Newspapers, Inc. which owned and operated 35 weekly newspapers and printing plants in five states. He served as president of the SC Press Association in 1976, a board member of the South Brunswick Islands Chamber of Commerce and was a member of numerous other civic organizations during his business career. He was a US Army veteran.

After purchasing The Brunswick Beacon in 1970, Eddie later returned to live permanently at Holden Beach where he and Carolyn published the newspaper until 2003 when it was sold to Landmark Community Newspapers. In retirement, he enjoyed designing personalized cards for family and friends, biking, pitching horseshoes, reading, and walking the beach. Never without a project, he was forever expanding his knowledge of computer graphics, photography, accounting, and other subjects of interest. He believed in and practiced lifelong learning and was a mentor to many in the newspaper business. One associate described Eddie as “kind, wicked smart, calm, patient, full of good humor and above all, wise.”

Eddie is survived by his wife of 44 years, Carolyn; daughters Lynn Carlson (Eric) of Ocean Isle Beach and Brenda Tudor (Dave) of Asheville; grandson Patrick McGowan (Maia) of Boiling Spring Lakes; several nieces and nephews, and many great friends.

A celebration of Eddie’s life will be held Thursday, Nov. 2, at 10 a.m. at Holden Beach Chapel.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Anyone wishing to send a memorial in Eddie’s memory may want to consider Lower Cape Fear LifeCare SECU Hospice House of Brunswick County, 955 Mercy Lane, Bolivia, NC 28422, or the charity of one’s choice.