William 'Billy' Lockhart Sweet

William Lockhart 'Billy' Sweet, known more fondly as Billy, was born September 4, 1953, to H. Webb Sweet and Mary Greene Sweet, in Memphis, TN. He lived in Forrest City all of his life and was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Forrest City, where his mother and maternal grandmother were also raised. He was a man of strong but quiet faith. The youngest of four children, Billy was raised in a large and loving family and his parents instilled in him the importance of service to the community in which you live. In 1976, he made what he considered his best decision in life and married Judy Gale Allen, of Widener, and they were married for 48 years. Together, with her as his inspiration, their faith and belief in the strong foundation of family raised four children whom he loved deeply in all the ways he knew. While Billy was a simple man with simple ambitions of his own, visiting with friends and talking about his childrens’ accomplishments were among his favorite things to do. Billy farmed in the Arkansas Delta for 40 years, served his church as grounds manager for many years following in his fathers footsteps, was a member of Kiwanis Club of Forrest City, a past Board President of St. Francis County Farm Bureau through the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation, and he provided for his family with dedication. Billy passed away on December 14, 2024, after a determined fight against cancer. In his final months, he showed strength, courage, and unwavering faith in the Lord. Billy was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Walter Sweet, one sister, Martha Sweet Gandy, and a beloved sister-in-law, Joyce Buford Sweet. He is survived by his wife, Judy A. Sweet, of the home; four children, Chris Sweet of Forrest City, Dr. Will Sweet and wife Beth, of Collierville, TN, Shannon Heard and husband Joey of Forrest City, Caitlyn Sweet and Cory Deere of Forrest City; six grandchildren, Hannah Sweet and Chandler Mier, Tristen Sweet, Bailey Heard, Emory Sweet, Porter Heard, and Mark Sweet. He is also survived by his dear big sister, Margie Sweet Walker, of Birmingham, AL, whom he spoke to nearly every day, and many cherished nieces, nephews and friends. He considered it his greatest accomplishment in life to be called “Dad” and “Pops”. He was a good friend with a kind heart, and considered by most who knew him to be a “sweet” man. Memorial services will be held at the First United Methodist Church Sanctuary, Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. You may log on to stevensfuneralhome.net for the online registry.

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William 'Billy' Lockhart Sweet

September 4, 1953 - December 14, 2024