Mr. William Charles Sweet

William Charles Sweet ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The sun set on the life of William Charles Sweet, Monday, May 4, 2015. William, known as “Willie” by family and friends, was born Wednesday, May 27, 1931, in Steelton, PA. He was the son of the late Louis Sweet and the late Martha Williams-Sweet. Upon the untimely passing of his parents a month apart in 1940, William and his brother Horace were sent to be raised by their Aunt Pearl “Missy” McCain and her husband David. An unexpected setback occurred when within a year Missy died while undergoing surgery, and William and Horace were sent to be raised by another aunt, Ruthie Pennix and her husband George Sr. Willie was educated in the Steelton-Highspire School System and received his GED while serving in the United States Army. He was a Korean War and Vietnam Veteran. He retired from the military after serving twenty years in March, 1969. Upon leaving the military, he worked various jobs before settling in at the New Cumberland Army Depot. Willie retired from the federal government after ten years. His jovial and pleasant personality made him a model employee in the companies he was employed by. Willie was a wonderful example of discipline and strength. No matter what life dealt him, he had the strength and courage to take it and come out on top. William’s wide smile and bright eyes were a welcome sight to family and friends. He loved to laugh and was full of life and joy. He loved his children and especially enjoyed the company of his daughters. He would speak often of his sons and daughters and his hopes for them. It was this hope for the future that encouraged and gave him strength. His favorite pastime activities were playing the lottery, playing poker, repairing and remodeling. He was twice widowed by wives, Charlie Mae “Polly” Sweet and Annette Orr-Sweet. Willie was preceded in death by a sister, Rosetta Faulcon; and brothers, Horace “Buddy” Sweet, Randolph and Frank Pennix. William is survived by four daughters, Vanessa Clark and son-in-law Wilbur of Harrisburg, PA, Marcia Sweet of North Carolina, Zandra Shoffner of Steelton, PA, Zaneta Sweet of Texas; two sons, Reverend Tony Sweet and wife Gloria of Harrisburg, Reverend LaVail Sweet and wife Marcy of Steelton; ten grandchildren, six great grandchildren; along with three step daughters, Juanita Austin and step son-in-law John of Harrisburg, Shonna Jenkins and step son-in-law Ben of Florida, and Tina Howard and step son-in-law Al of York, PA; three step sons, Clary, Terrance and Victor Orr of York; seven step grandchildren and nine step great grandchildren. He also leaves to mourn his passing a brother, George Pennix Jr. and his wife Dorothy of Harrisburg; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. As we celebrate the life transition of Willie, our thoughts and memories will be SWEET for one who gave so fully of himself to his family and his country. We salute you William Charles Sweet, soldier, husband, father and friend. In All Things, We Give Thanks! Lovingly Submitted, The Family Mr. Sweet's life will be celebrated at 6 p.m., Thursday, May 14, 2015, at Kingdom Life Christian Center, 1219 South Eighteenth Street, Harrisburg, PA with viewing from 5 to 6 p.m. Burial will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at 9:30 a.m., Friday, May 15, 2015

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Mr. William Charles Sweet

May 27, 1931 - May 4, 2015