William Russell Swift

William Russell Swift, 83, of Vilas, NC, entered his heavenly home on

Thursday evening, July 11th after several years of declining health,

surrounded by his family.

Born in Watauga County, NC on July 22, 1940, he was the first-born son of

Cecil and Fannie Clay Swift. Russell grew up in Beaver Dam, NC and went to

Bethel High School, graduating in 1958. Russell loved reflecting on his

time at Bethel High bragging to his niece that he was as smart as she was

because he graduated in the top 20 of his class. We would all laugh

knowing that there were only 19 in his class. But he remained close with

those classmates, never missing an opportunity to make an appearance at

a reunion.

He went into the National Guard in 1963, where he proudly served six years.

Russell met his wife Phyllis, and they married in 1960. Russell and Phyllis

lived in West Jefferson and Kingsport, TN prior to returning to Watauga

County in 1975. He was employed with A & P Foods for 40+ years where

he quickly worked his way up to store manager. He took great pride in the

store in Boone and always greeted the customers with a friendly smile and

a hug. Mr. Swift never met a stranger; if he didn’t know you at first, he

would ask enough questions until he discovered someone, he knew was

related to you.

Russell provided for his family and was always willing to go above and

beyond serving others. When he was not working, you were likely to find

him on his peaceful family land at Beaver Dam or at his home taking care

of his animals - horses, cows, donkeys, and goats. Russell loved the Lord

and was a member of the Willow Valley Baptist Church.

Russell is survived by his wife of 64 years, Phyllis Greene Swift, one son,

Derek Lynn Swift (Becky), daughter-in-law, Sandy Winebarger Swift;

grandsons, William Cody Swift and Corey Allen Swift; step-grandsons,

Dennis Dollar and Taylor Cornell (Jonny), step granddaughters, Jesse Cooper

(Jacob) and Davy Cornell (Marisa) , two great-grandchildren and five step

great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ronald Clay Swift (Rhea) of Hickory and Thomas

Gene Swift (Sallie) of Boone and one sister, Patricia Swift Smith (Danny) of Morganton.

Also surviving is Sonny Ward (Jackie), whom he thought of as a son. In addition, he is

survived by Phyllis’ brothers and sister, Kenny Greene, Eddy Greene (Cretha), and Kathy

Greene (Lynn). He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and a multitude of cousins

and friends.

In addition to his parents, Russell was proceeded in death by two sons,

Russell Wayne Swift (infant), and William “Dana” Swift, mother and father-

in-law, Fred and Colleta Greene, his brother in-law and sister-in-law, GC

and Lou Wilkenson and Lois Greene.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Hospice and to the

caregivers that have taken such good care of him in the past few months.

The family will receive friends on Sunday evening, July 14th, from 5 until 8 o’clock

at Austin and Barnes Funeral Home.  A memorial service will held on Monday afternoon,

July 15th at 1 PM in Austin and Barnes Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Charlie Martin,

Preacher Ray Green and Rev. Dr. Billy Norris officiating.  Graveside services will follow in the

Willow Valley Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Willow Valley Baptist Church

Cemetery Fund, @Brandon Greer, 436 Clark Swift Road, Vilas, NC 28692 or to

Amorem Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC  28645.

Pallbearers: Kenny Greene, Jeff Hedrick, Sonny Ward, Clay Swift, Tommy

Greer, Denny Miller, Charles Greer, and Gerald Lawrence.

Honorary Pallbearers: Eric Hughes, Harold Ward, Charles Ward, Larry Clay,

Allen Clay, George Bruns, Bill Clay (all cousins of Mr. Swift), and Bobby Rimmer

and Joe McNeil, friends of Russell.

Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Swift family.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Swift family.

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