Raymond Stephen Sweet

Raymond Stephen Sweet 6/20/61 – 1/5/18 Joining this world on June 20, 1961 in Sarasota, Florida, Raymond Stephen Sweet, forever known as "Ray" was born to Phyllis Ann Borchard Sweet and Raymond Wayne Sweet. After fighting strong and long, Ray passed peacefully, at age 56, surrounded by love on Friday, January 5, 2018 at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida. Ray came to know Jesus Christ or actually got "zapped" while in an addiction recovery at CARP in his twenties. He was used mightily to influence others for Christ in his work as a Master Plumber, helping others in his community and prison ministry. Ray had a big heart for the hurting and lost and thrived when helping others in need. Only God knows how many people he touched. Ray and the love of his life finally connected shortly after achieving his sobriety. He won the heart of a young teacher and married Pamela Lafsky on April 7th, 1990. Together they shared a life filled with music, endless projects and RV travel across the US. Some memorable trips include driving across country to visit National Parks and Wonders. Although they loved experiencing the majesty of this wonderful county, it was always equally important to them to stop and visit any relatives that might be on the way. To them the journey was more than a pleasure trip. It was a ministry to keep their families close and connected to their busy lives. They savored each and every trip and couldn't wait for the next one to begin. Ray and Pam even took their pet cockatiels along for traveling buddies. Known as a Jack-of-All-Trades, Ray was also Master of Most! He could fix it, build it, remodel it, design it, create it, as he wasn't afraid to tackle any project. Classic Cars were one of his passions as he restored many that ran like a charm and looked classic, like Ray. He possessed the mechanical gene. Their home shows solid legacy to his heart to make things beautiful. He and Pam worked together to create a warm and lovely home. Honesty and hard work are his trademark as he owned and operated Ray's Classic Plumbing for many years. To this day past customers share their gratitude for his skills in plumbing and encouragement he shared. He studied this trade and passed the Master Plumber test to start his own business lasting 20 years. If he couldn't get to you to fix your need, he would talk you through possible solutions on the phone. Always willing to help, that's Ray. He so loved his music with a bend toward rock. God gifted him with a heart to write and sing worship songs to glorify God. They just came to him even without any musical training. He was blessed to record some with friends Ricky and Jeff. His only desire was to glorify God through his worship so that others could come to know the great love that he had come to adore. Ray is survived by his wife, Pamela Sweet, three sisters: Mary Foster (Craig), Lisa Sweet, Lori Sweet, one brother Randy Sweet (Donna) as well as five nieces and three nephews. In lieu of flowers, Pam is asking for memorial contributions to be made to Life.Church Wellington where all donations will be distributed in Ray's honor to continue his desire for spreading God's love. Please indicate in the memo portion of check or via online giving "Ray Sweet Memorial". Ray's Tribute and Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 from 5 to 8PM at Life.Church Wellington, located at 3061 State Road 7 (US 441), Wellington, FL 33449. Visitation begins at 5 PM with light refreshments. His Celebration of Life starts at 6 PM followed by a reception and fellowship time. Please join us for a sweet celebration of Ray.