William “Bob” Clarence Swords I, age 75, of Gallia; formerly of Friendship and West Portsmouth, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 10, 2013 at Kings Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, Kentucky. Bob was born November 22, 1937 in Friendship, to the late Francis “Frank” Clarence Swords and Anna (Odel) Swords.
He was a veteran of the United States Army and was employed by Portsmouth Casting Company, where he worked until his retirement in 1990. He was a little league coach for United Methodist Church at Dr. Singleton Ball Park in West Portsmouth. He was also a member of the Gallia Baptist Church.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Archie Swords and infant grandson, Randal Scott Swords II.
Bill is survived by his wife of 51 years, Donna Raye (Humphrey) Swords; two brothers, Al (Connie) Swords of Friendship and Ronald (Pat) Swords of Sciotoville; sister, Gretta (D Roy) Knowlton; six children, Terry Lynn Thacker of Circleville, Randall Scott Swords of Gallia, Tim (Kim) Swords of Sciotoville, Rick Swords of Chillicothe, Bill Swords of Gallia, and Michael Kevin (Crystal) Swords of Gallia; 15 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren; and numerous friends.
Bill was a hard worker no matter the circumstance, from cutting grass in the spring and summer to busting wood in the fall and winter. He would work until the job was done. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren. There was nothing he would not do for them. He also loved going to church and serving his Lord. He enjoyed singing, especially Gospel music. He had a heart for the Lord. He always had a smile on his face and a skip in his step; he never met a stranger. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2013 at 1 p.m. at Gallia Baptist Church with Reverend Cline Rawlins and Reverend James Ellison officiating. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday, November 13, from 3-8 p.m. and again on Thursday November 14, from 11-1 p.m. Burial will follow in Gallia Cemetery. A military graveside service will be conducted by the Jackson DAV chapter 45. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Oak Hill, Ohio.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lewisgillumfuneralhomes.com.
via William “Bob” Clarence Swords I, 75 – The Jackson County Times-Journal: Obituaries.