Tommy "Moto" Swafford

It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we announce the passing of Tommy “Moto” Swafford who left his family on March 18, 2026, at the age of 78 at Erlanger Baroness Hospital with his wife and daughters by his side.

Tommy was born on February 12, 1948, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He grew up in Sale Creek where he graduated from high school, married, and was drafted to Vietnam in 1968. He and his wife later moved to Graysville where they raised their two beloved daughters.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Elaine (Fitzgerald) Swafford; his brothers, Eugene Benson, Ronnie Swafford, and Dwayne Porter; and his sister, Wanda Long.

Tommy is survived by his wife of 57 years, Diane (Bearden) Swafford of Graysville; his daughters, Teresa (Steve) Gates of Athens and Tonya (Lane) Coffey of Graysville; his grandchildren, Brittany (Sean) Pomeroy of Casa Grande, Arizona, Ashley Gates of Athens, Thomas (Jacia) Smith of Graysville, and Dylan Smith of Graysville; his great-grandchildren, Alexis Gates, Jackson Gordon, Kota Brown, Tierney and Ella Smith; a special nephew, Andy (Katie) Hartman of Pikeville; his sisters, Elizabeth Stinnett, Linda Hartman, and Pat Enecks; and several nieces and nephews.

“Moto” was drafted to Vietnam by the US Army from June 1968-June 1970. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Expert Rifle M-16, Sharpshooter M-14, and Army Commendation Medal.

“Moto” worked at Sequoyah (TVA) as a carpenter, drove for Southwest Freighting, and later retired from B&H Freight.

He was a stage 3 cancer survivor, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he especially loved playing pool with his league team.

Funeral services for “Moto” will be in the funeral home chapel on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest with US Army honors in Rhea Memory Gardens after the service.

Please share your memories and photos of Tommy on his online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com.

The family is being cared for by Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton, Tennessee, where they will receive friends on Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and Monday, March 23, 2026, before the funeral.