Chief Michael Aaron Schwartz, 74, passed away on February 5, 2023, at his home in Georgetown, South Carolina. He was born in Wilmington, North Carolina on July 12, 1948.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Irving and Barbara Scherr Schwartz, as well as his first wife, Florence Glover Schwartz.

Michael is survived by his wife, Veronica Smith Schwartz; three children, Jenny Schwartz Oxendine of Raleigh, NC, Andrew Morrison Schwartz (Maria )of Matthews, NC, and Joseph Michael Schwartz (Jesse) of Morganton, NC; nine grandchildren, Eric Hutson Oxendine (Emili Alexandria), Alex Anderson Oxendine, Teresa Sara Schwartz, Ava Florence Schwartz, Andrew Jacob Schwartz, Andrew Bryson Oxendine, Elijah Joseph Schwartz, Landon Edward Keller, and Isabella Rose Schwartz, his sisters; Rhonda Schwartz McLaughlin (Alan) and Ilene Jeanette Schwartz. The list of his extended family, friends, fellow law enforcement officers is extensive.

Michael graduated from Winyah High School in 1966 and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from The Citadel in 1970. Upon graduation, he began his long career in law enforcement at the North Charleston Police Department. In 1977, he moved to Shelby, NC to serve as the administrator of the alternative educational program for Shelby City Schools. His passion for law enforcement continued as he led the Criminal Justice Department at Cleveland Community College (Cleveland Technical College). While teaching criminal justice and BLET (Basic Law Enforcement Training) he was honored as the Instructor of the Year at CCC. In Shelby, he was an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. Michael returned to his hometown in 1992 and began his 25-year career with Georgetown County Sheriff's Office where he achieved rank of Chief Deputy. He also served as Georgetown County's first Assistant Sheriff from 1994 to 1997. He retired in 2017 as Chief Deputy and Director of the Georgetown County Detention Center. During his tenure with the Sheriff's Office, the Georgetown City Council presented a proclamation honoring him for his contributions to quality public service. Under his direction, the following improvements were made to the Georgetown Detention Center: implementation of live-scan finger printing, access to legal services/court information for inmates, and the installation of a video conferencing system for court hearings. Michael and his wife Veronica are members of Duncan United Methodist Church.

Michael will be remembered for his fun-loving demeanor and generous spirit. He was happiest when serving his community, his friends and his family. His rich legacy was apparent as he transitioned to his eternal home surrounded by his wife, each of his children, every grandchild and his sisters.

The memorial service will be conducted at 11 AM on Saturday at Duncan United Methodist Church in Georgetown. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM on Friday at the family home in Georgetown.

Please sign guestbook at: www.mayerfuneralhome.com

The Georgetown Chapel Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Editor's Note:Michael was a proud member of "O" Company- a Sgt and 2ndLT and a member of the hop committee.