Stephen Andrew Sweeting

Stephen Andrew Sweeting, 59, died on March 7, 2023 in Orange Park, FL. Born on December 8, 1963, in Hope Town, Abaco, The Bahamas, Stephen was raised in Hope Town. He attended Hope Town Primary School for a few years before he and his family moved to Man-O-War Cay. That is where he attended Man O War All Age School. Stephen thought his time would have been better suited working, so around the age of 12 he began working for Edwin’s Boat Yard. His family moved back to Hope Town where Stephen worked for The Abaco Inn and Sweeting’s Construction. He went on to become an exemplary businessman and opened the only hardware store on the island, Imports Unlimited LTD. In his later years he founded Sunset Exclusive Dockage. He left Abaco in 2018 to live in West Palm Beach, Florida where he continued to run his businesses remotely. Stephen was a valued member of the Progressive Liberal Party South Abaco Branch where he worked on all the election campaigns and was a Stalwart Councilor. He attended many of the party's conventions. He also attended Lighthouse Ministries in Hope Town, pastored by his brother.

Stephen’s children meant more to him than anything in the world. His unconditional love for them was truly sacrificial... he would go without the things he wanted so he could make sure his family was taken care of. He was the kind of man who would give his shirt off his back if he knew you needed it. He was respected by many and loved by all. His kind and humble demeanor greatly impacted everyone he met. He was a leader who everyone looked to for advice. Stephen believed everything happens for a reason and that we had to trust God that His will was best. That is just one of the many life lessons from him that we will forever carry with us.

Stephen is predeceased by his father, Roger Richard Sweeting, mother Margaret Audrey Sweeting and brothers-in-law Ray Albury and Brent Albury. He is survived by two children from his first marriage to Lenora Sweeting: Stephanie (Randall) Sawyer and Andrew Sweeting and by two children from his second marriage to Ailen Quintana Leye Sweeting: Elliot and Elijah Sweeting, grandson Killian Sawyer, brothers Ricky (Betty) Sweeting and Terry (Wanda) Sweeting, sisters Wendy Albury, Penny (Norman) Cove and Angela (Magnus) Isaksson, nieces and nephews: Ricky Sweeting Jr., Rebecca Sweeting, Nikita Reckley, Terrance Sweeting, Michael Albury and Max Albury, goddaughter Netanya Sweeting and many great nieces and nephews.

Special thank you to Stephen’s nephew Terrance Sweeting and his wife Yusaima Sweeting who helped care for him during his illness, his many business partners, his special friend Brenda Sawyer, valued employees - Raynald Olibrice and Junior Mernard , many friends and family members, Dr. Berman at Florida Cancer and the many doctors, nurses and caretakers who helped him throughout his medical journey.

Stephen’s Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Lodge, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207. A graveside service will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207.