Mr. Gerald Richard "Gerry" Sweeney, 79, of Wayne Circle, Hartwell, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 11, 2016 at Hartwell Health and Rehab.

Born on April 20, 1937 in Fargo ND, he was the son of the late Ray Sweeney and Elsie Albright Sweeney.Mr. Sweeney graduated from Augusta Tech with an Electrical Engineering degree and retired from Southern Bell/ATT after 33 years of service. Mr. Sweeney was a member of the Telephone Pioneers, a Master Gardner and enjoyed Woodworking.He was also a faithful member of the Hartwell First United Methodist Church and a U.S. Air Force veteran, where he was a Radio Operator, flying all over the world.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years: Karen Ethel Sweeney; a daughter: Cheryl D. Smith of Hartwell; three brothers: Steve Sweeney, Ray Sweeney & Pat Sweeney; two sisters: Joan Bizjack & Therese Sweeney; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren also survive.Mr. Sweeney was preceded in death by his parents; a son: Glenn Raymond Sweeney and a brother: Tim Sweeney.

Memorial services will be Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hartwell First United Methodist Church with Dr. R. Allen Stewart officiating.A reception will be held after the service in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hartwell First united Methodist Church Missions Fund, 200 E. Howell Street, Hartwell GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.