Richard Glance Swain, of Wartrace, sadly left this world on Monday, January 8, 2024, at the age of 72.
Born in Shelbyville on January 3, 1952, Richard grew up and lived most of his life in Wartrace. He loved his community there. He proudly served as a Machinist Mate First Class in the US Navy during the Vietnam War and had a love of all things mechanical that he could build and fix. He also had a lifelong love of learning, and was particularly interested in history, space exploration, and psychology. Richard was extraordinarily kind and funny, and cared deeply for his loved ones. He will be immensely missed by everyone who loved him.
Richard was active for much of his adult life with the Masons and was a longtime member of the local Lodge. He took great pride in living a life that exemplified his Masonic values.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 22 years, Lou Ezell Lewis-Swain; his father Glance Swain; his mother Mildred Lee Swain; and his brother-in-law, David Alden Rowland.
He is survived by his children Jerry Swain of Bell Buckle, Tenn.; Matthew (Ash Mooney-Soto) Lewis of Madison, Tenn.; Chevon (James) Mathews of Altamont, Tenn.; Michelle (Ty) Lawson of Walnut Creek, Calif.; his sister Linda Rowland of Wartrace, Tenn.; four grandchildren (Avery, Elliot, Maeve and Paisley) and loving nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. Richard is also survived by his former wife and mother of two of his children, Sharon Swain.
His request for a private burial will be honored by his children, and a celebration of life ceremony will be announced at a future date. His family asks that if you are so moved, a donation in his memory be made to Alive Hospice or the American Cancer Society.
