Terrence James Mcsweeney

Terrence "Terry" James McSweeney, 79, of Savannah Lakes Villiage, died Sunday, August 24, 2014 at the Hospice House in Greenwood, SC. He was born on September 14, 1934 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Ralph and Bernice McSweeney. He was the younger brother of Margaret "Peggy" (McSweeney) Ainge. He had another sister, Patty, who passed away prior to his birth. He grew up in Grand Rapids and attended Catholic Central High School. After graduating, he enrolled at Aquinas College also in Grand Rapids. While there, he played baseball and graduated in 1956 with a BS in Business Administration. He briefly attended the University of Detroit and Michigan State with the intention of acquiring a Master's Degree but returned home when his father passed away to help his mother and sister. Terry was also a member of the US National Guard Reserves for four years. After graduation he went to work for Lear and Texas Instruments in sales. He met his wife, Pat, in July, 1956 on a blind date and they were married on July 19, 1958. They have five children, three girls and two boys in all. The family moved to Centerville, Ohio in 1968 and considered that their home for many years. Terry continued his career in the electronics industry and was very successful as a Regional Manager, overseeing manufacturer's representatives. Later they moved to Littleton, Colorado where they spent 10 years and made many lifetime friends. During the later years they moved to Ogallala, Nebraska and Cincinnati, Ohio and eventually retired to Savannah Lakes Village in McCormick, South Carolina. It was Terry's dream to live on a golf course and that dream was realized when they moved to Savannah Lakes and built their house on the 12th fairway of Tara Golf Course. He spent time playing golf, enjoying his pontoon boat on the lake and spending time with friends. They were one of the first members of the US Power Squadron, a boating club. He was very proud of his "Irish" heritage and even volunteered to be the leprechaun for the Goldrush Days parade in his community. Terry was a very social person with a vibrant personality and a great sense of humor which continued to be present even during his last days. It was often said that he never met a stranger, many people loved him and he was a very good friend. Over the years he became "Papa" to eight grandchildren, one step-grandson and three great-grandchildren, all who loved him dearly. He was a very loving and attentive husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was very much loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed but will remain in all of our hearts forever. He is survived by his wife, Pat; children Sue (Mike) Cox, Richmond Hill, GA; Sherri McSweeney, Douglasville, GA; Laurie (Paul) Maloney, Lawrenceville, GA; Mike McSweeney, Denver, CO; Terry (Deb) McSweeney, Richmond, TX; grandchildren Erin, Keri, Kevin, Brian, Kelly, Ryan, Marcus, Alyssa and Mitchel; great-grandchildren Aiden, Mackenzie, Finn and Knox; sister and brother-in-law Peg and Bud Ainge and three nieces, two nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Services will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 11:30 am at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in McCormick, SC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of McCormick County, 614 Belle Trce., McCormick, SC 29835 or Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave. Greenwood, SC 29646. A message of condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com HARRIS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES is assisting the McSweeney family.