Paul Sweeney, Sr.

Born in Nashville, TN on April 24, 1933 Departed on May 2, 2017 and resided in Bethpage, TN Life Celebration Service: Hendersonville Funeral Home Room: ChapelSaturday May 6, 2017 11:00am to 12:00pmVisitation: Hendersonville Funeral Home Room: ChapelSaturday May 6, 2017 10:00am to 11:00amVisitation: Hendersonville Funeral Home Room: Stateroom AFriday May 5, 2017 11:00am to 8:00pm

Paul Ellis Sweeney, Sr., 84, of Bethpage, Tennessee, passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 in his home. He was surrounded by his children and the love of his life, Ms. Ida Sweeney. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee on April 24, 1933 to Levie Olene Grissom Sweeney and Moses Sweeney.

He served as a Private First Class in the Air Force and as a Corporal in the Army. He served among other assignments in the Korean War. He was proud of his country. Paul retired from Roadway Trucking, where he was known by all for his kindness and willingness to help. He was a "neighborhood dad" to many, acting as pitcher, referee and mechanic. He had such a gentle heart. His interests included driving race cars and building race cars for others (including Paul Sweeney, Jr.). His passion was restoring older model vehicles. He also loved watching Westerns and John Wayne. Paul was an ordained preacher and proud member of Grace Missionary Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He loved the Lord and cherished his salvation and the church.

Paul was survived by his loving wife (Ida Satterfield Sweeney) of 60 years, and four daughters and one son: Judy Lynne McGuire (Beau) of White House; Levie Ann Durham of Hendersonville; Linda Jo Green of Hermitage; Lisa Michelle Angel of Hartsville; Paul Ellis Sweeney, Jr. (Lisa Atnip Sweeney) of Hendersonville; 15 grandchildren: Brandy Austin O'Neal (Chris), Lindsey Cossell (Kipp), Lauran McGuire, Kenny Austin, Jr., Lacey McGuire, Jessica Palmer, Christina McCarl (Brian), Ashley Durham, (Rusty), Darrell Sweeney (Christy), Carla Aguilera (Mauro), Derek Sisco (Jamie), Steven Angel, James Paul Angel, Erica Sweeney and Brianne Sweeney; 22 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great grandchildren.

He is also survived by his two brothers: Moses Emanual Sweeney,Jr.of Nashville and Bob Sadler of Washington; as well as his many loving brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

A special note of thanks to the HighPoint Hospice out of Portland for their wonderful supportive care. Also, thank you to Hendersonville Funeral Home and Memory Gardens for all of the arrangements.

A Life Celebration service for Paul will be held at Hendersonville Funeral Home on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 11:00AM, officiated by Brother Mark Copas and Brother Mark Horton. Visitation will be held Friday, May 5, from 11:00AM - 8:00PM, and again one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Hendersonville Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Paul's name can be made to Grace Missionary Baptist Church, 103 Ingrid Way, Hendersonville, TN 37075 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.