Charles Edward Sweeney

Charles Edward Sweeney, 81, of Iuka, MS, passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2018, at his residence following a two-year struggle with Lewy Body Disease and Parkinson’s Disease. He endured his affliction with courage, patience, dignity, and humor. Mr. Sweeney was born in Iuka, MS, on July 15, 1936 to P. L. and Ida Gregson Sweeney. He attended Iuka Elementary School and graduated from Iuka High School in 1954. He was recognized for twelve years of perfect attendance. Charles was also a member of the Boy Scouts of America and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended the University of Mississippi where he attained a bachelor’s degree in Political Science within three years. While at Ole Miss he was a member of the ATO fraternity. Following graduation from Ole Miss, Charles entered the U. S. Army where he served three years including 13 months in Korea. He served with the Counter Intelligence Corps and was discharged with the rank of sergeant. As a young man in the 1950’s, Charles worked in his father’s businesses at Mill Creek Boat Dock and Sweeney Service Station. He later went on to work in, and become the owner and operator of, Sweeney Auto Parts in Iuka. He was a member of the Iuka United Methodist Church. He was also a dedicated member of the Iuka Country Club having spent 35 years maintaining the Iuka Country Club swimming pool. Charles enjoyed photography and was a Civil War relic collector. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara Sweeney of Iuka; two sons, Rush Sweeney (Tonya) of Brandon, and Brad Sweeney (Elizabeth) of Hilton Head Island, SC; a brother, Greg Sweeney (Elaine) of Pinson, AL; four grandchildren, Seth Sweeney, Sarah Claire Sweeney, Mary Beth Sweeney, and Amelia Sweeney; a sister-in-law, Brenda Robbins; and two brothers-in-law, Warner Rushing (Simone) and Gene Rushing. Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, MS is entrusted with arrangements. Visitation is scheduled for 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 24, at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 25, at the Iuka United Methodist Church. The body will lie in state at the church for one hour prior to service time. Services will be officiated by Rev. Kerry Powell, Steven Dancer, Elizabeth Sweeney, and Tonya Sweeney. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers include Todd Williams, Billy McKissick, Neil Davis, Seth Sweeney, Kenneth Mobley, and Bret Malone. Honorary pallbearers include John Kent, Hayden Ables, L. O. Bishop, Kermit Rushing, Jr., the Sweeney Auto Parts “Regulars”, and the Iuka High School Class of 1954. Memorials may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Iuka or to the Iuka United Methodist Church. An online guestbook can be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.