Ray Charles Sweetwood, 70, of Ephrata, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at home.

He was born in Pottstown to the late Ray Charles and Anne E. (Schoch) Sweetwood.

He attended Pottstown High School, graduating in 1965.

Ray was a retired draftsman/designer who enjoyed golf, playing pool, and corvettes.

Ray served as E-5 SGT, 11C40 Infantry, Indirect Fire Crewman in Vietnam from November 14, 1969 to June 17, 1971. He served with Company E. 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 196th Brigade.  

During his time in the army, Ray earned many honors, including:

NSDM- National defense service medal 
VSM-Vietnam service medal
CIB- Combat infantry badge
ARCOM-military medal package for heroism, meritorious achievement, meritorious service 
VCM w/DVC60 - Vietnam campaign medal good conduct achievement 
AM- meritorious achievement while in Arial flight
BSM- Bronze star for heroic & meritorious achievement
2  o/s bars - over seas service bars SPS M-14 -qualifying sharpshooter w/m-14

Ray is survived by 4 children: Ray C. Sweetwood, III (Theresa M. Frick) of Pottstown, Taryn Sweetwood Sobrado (Rick Prewitt) of NJ, Joshua Sweetwood (Julie Sweetwood) of Birdsboro, and Shani Sweetwood Sabol (Michael Reidinger) of Exeter; 10 grandchildren: Chaslyn Sweetwood, Tyler Sweetwood, Michael Sweetwood, Devon Sobrado, Aaron Hess, Jade Sweetwood, Jackson Sweetwood, Jillian Sweetwood, Bria Monticello, and Mikayela Reidinger; 2 brothers, Richard "Dick" Williams (Ida Williams), of Kenhorst, Robert "Bob" Williams (Mary Williams) of Delaware. and 2 sisters, Linda Snyder (Jack Snyder) of Pottstown, Barbara Blazes of Boyertown. Ray is also survived by 12 nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased in death by his sister, Raydell Paquette.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, April 7, 2017 at 3:00 PM at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Indiantown Gap Road, Annville, PA.

Memorial contributions in Ray's memory may be made to: The Wounded Warrior Project  www.woundedwarriorproject.org