William Whitney Sweeney

The Hon. William Whitney Sweeney, 89, of Lynchburg, Va., passed away on All Saints Day, November 5, 2017, after a long battle with a failing heart. His wife of 65 years, Nada M. Sweeney, survives him. Predeceasing him were his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Bob Ellett. His sister, Pat Shahrohki (Farshid), of Lynchburg, survives him. He was born to the late William P. and Emma Belle Sweeney in Greensboro, N.C. on April 9, 1928.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children, Debra, Dan (Cindy), and John (GiGi), all of Lynchburg; and six grandchildren: Jeb Haley of Los Angeles, Calif., Sarah McGlothlin (Aaron) of Lynchburg, Bradley Sweeney of Norfolk, Va., Anna Sweeney of Lynchburg, William Sweeney of Newport News, Va., and Charles Sweeney of Lynchburg. He is also survived by a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bill graduated from E.C. Glass High School, the Virginia Military Institute Class of 1949B, and University of Virginia Law School. Law School was interrupted by his service in the Korean Conflict with the 101st Screaming Eagles Army Airborne. He was discharged as Captain with over 33 jumps. He began practice in Lynchburg with the firm of Caskie, Frost, Davidson, and Watts. On March 10, 1965, Bill, at age 36, was appointed Judge of the sixth judicial circuit by Gov. Albertus S. Harrison, Jr. to succeed the late Charles E. Burks. 33 years later Bill retired from the bench April 1, 1998 as Virginia’s longest serving Circuit Court Judge. He said his hardest case was as part of a three-judge panel that handled the Lynchburg Annexation. In the Bedford Circuit Court he became known for the trial of Yens Soering and Elizabeth Haysom. This case was the first time cameras were allowed in the courts in Virginia.

Bill taught legal courses at the National College of Judicial Education in Reno, Nevada, and taught new Judges courses in judiciary procedure for the American Academy of Judicial Education across the country. He was an adjunct law school professor, teaching trial practice at UVA Law School, Washington and Lee School of Law, and Liberty University. The chief Justice of the Virginia Supreme Court appointed him to serve on the Judicial Education Committee in Richmond, Va. He was quite honored when the Speaker of the House appointed him to serve as chairman of the Virginia House of Delegates Ethics Committee, serving over six years. After retirement, he continued to sit in courts throughout the Commonwealth. As a qualified mediator, he handled many mediations.

A lifelong member of Court Street United Methodist Church, where he and Nada were married, he taught Sunday School for over 50 years. As lay leader, he spoke in the pulpit of many area churches. He was often asked to give his talk on the Trial of Christ and he did so many times in a variety of churches and organizations throughout the Commonwealth. He also gave many talks on the Wreck of the Old 97 and the Beale Treasure.

Serving the community was important to him. He was a member of the Sphex Club and the Lions Club, President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Chaired the Board of the Salvation Army, served on the boards of the Red Cross, Mental Health Association, and Meals on Wheels. He especially enjoyed delivering meals. Bill loved telling jokes. He published a book entitled “We Remember Charlie” comprised of stories about his predecessor, Judge Charles E. Burks, which was the source of much of his humor.

Golfing, tennis, ping-pong, fishing, and jogging were his sports. He was proud of the ribbons and medals he received in the Virginia 10 Miler and the Virginia Four-Miler, finishing first in his age group (over 80).

After retirement Judge and Mrs. Sweeney enjoyed travelling, mostly in Europe and Asia. The Holy Land was their favorite.

We give special thanks to a very caring aid, Crystal George, and others from Team Nurse and to the wonderful people of Lynchburg Centra Hospice, the Senior Independence Hospice and to the Westminster Canterbury 5th Floor Staff.

Judge Sweeney has stated that his focus in life was his faith, his family, and the law.

Visitation with the family will be held Friday, November 10, 2017, at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. A celebration of Judge Sweeney’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2017, at Court Street United Methodist Church in Lynchburg. Burial will follow the church service at Spring Hill Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Court Street United Methodist Church, 621 Court St., Lynchburg, VA 24504; or to the Lynchburg Chapter of Meals on Wheels, Inc., 605 Clay St., Lynchburg, VA 24504.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.