William "Sonny" Swafford

June 21, 1935 - March 12, 2016

William Dean “Sonny” Swafford, Sr., age 80 of Dayton passed early Saturday, March 12, 2016 in Dayton. He was born in Pikeville on June 21, 1935. He lived many of his years in Dayton where he graduated from Carver High School. After graduation, Sonny enlisted in the US Navy and served his country for twenty years including two tours in Viet Nam. After his retirement, Sonny served on the Rhea County School Board for twelve years and was a member of the American Legion Post 100. He was a member of the Mount Moriah AME Zion Church where he served as the church steward and treasurer. Sonny is survived by his wife of 52 years, Margaret (Williams) Swafford of Dayton, two sons, William (Sharese) Swafford, Jr. of Grainger, IN and Byron (Shannon) Swafford of Dayton, his daughter, Tammy (Guy) Frazier of Anderson, SC, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Rev. Clyde (Belle) Jones of Harriman and his sister, Catherine Brown of Dayton. Funeral services for Sonny will be held Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at 6:00pm in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Robert Henderson officiating. Graveside services with full military honors will be conducted by the US Navy Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. The family is being cared for by the Vanderwall Funeral Home where they will receive friends one hour before the funeral.