Rev. Thomas James Swafford, age 74 of Pikeville, went to be with his Lord Sunday, December 13, 2020 at his home in Pikeville. He was born in Bledsoe County on September 27, 1946, the son of the late Jim Swafford and Ruth (Rothwell) Swafford.
Tom was a lifelong member of the Summer City community who loved spending time with his wife of 55 years, his children and grandchildren and a host of family!
He spent the last 50 years pastoring Summer City Baptist Church while pointing others to Christ! He had a heart for missions and never missed an opportunity to witness to others.
He enjoyed reading his Bible, vegetable farming and working with his cattle and attending cattle sales.
There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do and was always willing to help his neighbors.
He was loved and respected by all who knew him and will sorely be missed.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara (Clark) Swafford of Pikeville; his children, Jeff (Beverly) Swafford of Pikeville, Beverly (Brian) Osborne of Dayton, Rebecca (Mike) Boley of Ringgold, GA and Thomas Marty (Kari) Swafford of Dayton; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Jeanne McGee of Cookeville, Shirley Swafford of Pikeville, Mack (Trudy) Swafford of Pikeville, Irene (late Raymond) Smith of Knoxville, Gary (Yvonne) Swafford of Pikeville, Randy (Pat) Swafford of Pikeville, Donna (Ken) Friar of Hixson and Vivian (Randy) Wooden of Pikeville.
Funeral services for Tom will be held Wednesday afternoon, December 16, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home chapel with Rev. Brian Osborne and Rev. Jeff Swafford officiating. He will be laid to rest at Summer City Cemetery with Rev. Mark Olson officiating at the graveside followed by a white dove release.
Funeral service live streamed at:
https://my.gather.app/remember/tom-swafford
Please share your memories and photos of Tom on his online guest register at
www.vanderwallfh.com
.
Social distancing is strongly encouraged and MASKS WILL BE REQUIRED.
The family is being cared for by the Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton where they will receive friends Wednesday after 12:00 noon.