Funeral services for James Edward “Edd” Sweatmon, 68, of the Baileyton-Holly Pond communities will be at noon Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, at Gober Funeral Chapel in Arab, the Rev. Ray Werden officiating, with interment in the family plot at Holly Pond Cemetery.

Gober Funeral Chapel in Arab is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Sweatmon passed away Sunday, Jan. 18, at Cullman Regional Medical Center. He was born June 3, 1940, in Cullman County to James Odie “J.O.” Sweatmon and Hester Gorham Sweatmon.

Mr. Sweatmon retired from Firestone and operated “Edd’s Auto Service” in Baileyton until his love of seeing things grow drew him to the farm full time.

He never failed to appreciate the tender plants sprouting from spring’s warm soil, the fresh green pastures and the new crop of baby farm animals growing so quickly in the warmth of the summer sun. He delighted in sharing his bountiful harvest with friends, neighbors and anyone still long enough to have a basket placed in their hands.

He chose a simple life putting his family, friends and animals before anything for himself. His constant animal companions, Buddy, Missy and Sissy still remain on alert listening for his footsteps.

Mr. Sweatmon was a member of the Red Hill United Methodist Church in Marshall County. The little white masonry church located in the valley on Warrenton Road, surrounded by fields of red and mountains of green. The pastor, Rev. Ray Werden brought comfort and care during his brief illness.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother- and father-in-law, Leenolar and Vester V. Bennefield; his grandparents, Jim and Emma Yancey Sweatmon and W.M. and Alice Gorham; a nephew, Lee Roden; and a very special uncle, Chester “Chex” Gorham of Blountsville. All chose Holly Pond Cemetery as their resting place.

Survivors include his wife of more than 48 years, Virginia V. Sweatmon; a son, James Michael Sweatmon; a daughter, Kathy D. Sweatmon; a grandson, James Cody Haynes; a granddaughter, Jennifer D. Quick; a grandson-in-law, Randall T. Quick; a great-grandson, Trey Edward Quick; a special family member, Bobby Grantham; sisters, Jeanette Estes and Lavonda Blackwell; a brother, O.J. Sweatmon and Martha; two brothers-in-law, Jerry Bennefield and Carlis Bennefield; three sisters-in-law, Judy (Jackie) Bright, Carolyn (Oliver) Newman and Patricia Bennefield Newman; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family encourages contributions to ALS “Lou Gehrig’s Disease” Research when considering memorial selections.

Pallbearers will be Randall Quick, Bobby Grantham, Jackie Bright, Jerry Bennefield, Carlis Bennefield and Oliver Newman.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Brian Corliss and Dr. Chris LaGanke of Cullman.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.