Sweeney, Sr., Frank Ward

Frank “Sonny” Ward Sweeney Sr., 94 of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026. Sonny was born on July 16, 1931, in Rising Sun, Maryland, the son of the late Eva Peters Sweeney and Claude Swanson Sweeney.

Sonny entered the United States Army in 1952, serving during the Korean War transporting ammunition and as a driver for NATO diplomats during the Korean Armistice Agreement. His love for automobiles was a lifelong passion that continued well into his 80s. He owned a car sales business and worked with several dealerships throughout the Roanoke Valley and the New River Valley. Sonny never met a stranger, he was known by all for his infectious smile and carefree spirit.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Frank Ward Sweeney Jr.; grandson, Corey Scott Sweeney; and sisters, Madeline Sweeney Shortt and Christine Moore.

Left to cherish his memory are his granddaughter, Ashley S. Carr (Geremy) of Floyd, Virginia; grandson, Lee M. Sweeney of Roanoke, Virginia; daughter-in-law, Donna L. Sweeney of Floyd, Virginia; great-grandchildren, Jaden, Cameron, and Mason; and brother, Claude Elwood Sweeney of Roanoke, Virginia.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Roy Turpin officiating. Interment will follow in the Jacksonville Cemetery with Military Rites by the Army National Guard. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.