Gaffney, SC — David R. Sweeney, age 85, of Gaffney, South Carolina, and originally from Winthrop, New York, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025, at McCall Hospice House in Greenville County, South Carolina.
Born at the family home in the Town of Stockholm, New York, on July 12, 1940, David was the son of the late Leroy and Nora (Burnett) Sweeney. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Clara Mae (Richards) Sweeney, and his sister, Irene.
David is survived by his brothers Arthur (Linda) Sweeney of Winthrop, New York, and John (Pam) Sweeney of Potsdam, New York; his daughters Barbara (Tom) Bryant of Winthrop, New York, and Sueann (James “Bill”) Crowther of Mauldin, South Carolina; his grandchildren Joshua Bryant of Massena, New York, Lucas (Mallory) Bryant of Winthrop, New York, Jean “John” Tessier, and Katherine “Katie” (Olivia) Howerton of Simpsonville, South Carolina; and great-grandchildren Jaymi Spence, Ben Spence, and Jake Bryant of Winthrop, New York, along with CJ and Ava Howerton of Simpsonville, South Carolina.
David proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting on July 1, 1958, just shy of his 18th birthday. He worked as a radio teletype operator in Germany and later continued his commitment to service in the Army Reserves, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant.
Throughout his life, David worked hard and served faithfully. He began on the family farm, later worked in a textile mill in South Carolina, and eventually joined ALCOA in Northern New York, where he spent many dedicated years before retiring.
After retirement, David and Clara Mae relocated from Winthrop to Gaffney, South Carolina, to be closer to Clara’s family. He filled his days with woodworking, leathercraft, and outdoor work—most notably mowing friends’ and neighbors’ lawns, always refusing payment. He was known for his kindness, humor, and generous spirit, the sort of man who would truly give you the shirt off his back.
A man of faith, David served as a Deacon and active member at Victory Baptist Church in Winthrop, and later joined Fairview Baptist Church in Gaffney after moving south. His life was a living example of service—both to his country and his community—and his integrity and generosity left a lasting mark on all who knew him.
David’s legacy of love, service, and devotion to family and faith will live on through those who were blessed to know him.
The family will be receiving friends and family on Saturday at the family’s home in Gaffney from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Fairview Baptist Church (505 Fairview Rd, Gaffney, SC 29341), McCall Hospice House (Hospice House of Greenville, 1836 West Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680), or Veterans Last Patrol (Link to donation page: https://secure.anedot.com/veteran/donate ).
An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com
Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC
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