Obituary of Ricky Charles Sweet

Rick "Pop Pop" Sweet passed away peacefully in his home after battling lymphoma with his wife and sister by his side. Rick was such a gentle giant with an impish sense of humor. He will be greatly missed. Rick was born in Russellville, AR and at age 8 moved with his mother and father to Austin, TX where he grew up. Rick enlisted in the Army in 1964. His military career spanned 12 years which included two tours in Vietnam in the Special Forces where he earned the Silver Star among many other commendations. Rick worked for Chevron for 25 years beginning in Fairfax, VA; he transferred to work in San Jose, CA as a fuel delivery transport driver in 1993. Rick married his wife, Nancy, September 17, 1995. He retired in 2006. He enjoyed playing with his dogs, Buddy and Vallie; smoking meats and grilling on his "Big Green Egg"; country music; watching sports and RVing all over the U.S. Rick is survived by his beloved wife Nancy (Holoch) Sweet of Antioch, CA, his sister Ava (Sweet) Schroen (Tony) of Gig Harbor, WA; his sons by previous marriages; Samuel Ezra (Sweet) Ellison (Stella) of Grove Town, GA; Brian (Sweet) Tolson (Ginger); Christopher (Tolson) Sweet; Aaron "AJ" Sweet (Kimberly) and three grandchildren Taylor and Tyler Tolson and Kynlee Sweet of Manassas, VA. Rick is predeceased by his mother and father Lou and Inez Sweet and his youngest sister Paula. A celebration of Rick's life is planned for friends and family at his home in Antioch on Saturday, March, 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to either the American Cancer Society or to the Hospice of the East Bay.