Bill Swanson

Lenoir, NC- Mr. William “Bill” Swanson, age 82, of Lenoir, passed away on Monday, February 27, 2017 at his home. Bill grew up in the Oak Hill community. He was a lifelong sports participant and fan and especially loved his Boston Red Sox and Carolina basketball. While at Oak Hill High School, Bill won 8 letters in basketball and baseball and was selected for all-state honors. After high school, his involvement in baseball continued as a pitcher and shortstop with the Taylorsville American Legion baseball team in 1951 and the Lenoir Volunteers in the Blue Ridge Semi-Pro League in 1952. At this point he was recruited to play baseball at Carolina, but decided to sign a professional contract with the St. Petersburg Saints with an invitation to spring training with the New York Yankees in 1954. He then represented Lenoir will in 1956 traveling the nation with the legendary House of David baseball team. He was lead –off hitter and centerfielder. Most of his life he was known in Caldwell County by the nickname “Speedy” by a host of friends who had seen him play baseball. After his playing days were over, he still stayed involved in sports by faithfully attending every one of his children’s sporting events and participating as a coach for their teams when they were young. He was especially proud to coach the championship Little League team at Happy Valley in 1981. He was also an umpire for 30 years for high school, semi-pro and college baseball. Bill was an insurance agent for 34 years. He was awarded the DLU Award (Distinguished Life Underwriter), his company’s highest honor and was recognized in 1977 as being the company’s leading all time salesman. Bill dearly loved God, his family and his church family and never met a person he wouldn’t help. He tried to be an encourager to all. He was an active member of Yadkin Baptist Church where he formerly served as a choir member, Sunday School teacher and with the Baptist Men, of which he was the director for 11 years. He was a deacon, evangelism leader and a church council member for 33 years. He was Outreach Director for 40 years and a member of the Lenoir Gideons. He was given the first Living Stone Award, which recognized him as being a founder and leader by the Baptist Men at Yadkin Baptist Church in January 2010. When Bill’s health severely declined in recent years and he was a shut-in, he still supported everyone he could as a prayer warrior. He was an inspiration to many by demonstrating that we can all do something to help others, no matter what our physical condition or limitations. He was preceded in death by his parents, Moses Howard and Ollie Fox Swanson; and two brothers, Jim and David Swanson. Survivors include the love of his life and wife of 51 years, Nancy Sharpe Swanson of the Home; his daughter, Laura Diamond (husband Alan) of Melbourne, FL; a son, Jon Swanson (wife Kris) of Durham, NC; his grandchildren, Erica and Caitlin Diamond of Melbourne, FL and Shelby, Will, Jack and Jenna Kate of Durham, NC; his brother, Tony Swanson (wife Janet) of Lenoir. A celebration of William’s life will be held on Friday, March 3, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Yadkin Baptist Church with Pastor Daren Smart, Pastor Robert Livingston and Pastor Stuart White officiating. A private interment will follow the service in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 2, 2017 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Evans Funeral Service in Lenoir. To those who wish to make a memorial, please consider a donation to Caldwell County Hospice or the Yadkin Baptist Church Youth Fund. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.evansfuneralservice.com Evans Funeral Service and Crematory of Lenoir are serving the Swanson family.