Joe Swinson

Joe E. Swinson, Sr. 91 of “Telfair Farm” Champlain, VA passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, February 16, 2020 on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Joe is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Beverly Smith Swinson, his two children, Linda S. Wiley (Tim) of Williamsville, MO., Joe E Swinson, Jr. (Isobel) of Champlain, VA. Five grandchildren; Jesse Swinson (Vanessa), Lindsay Grosse (Matthew), Benjamin Swinson (Bryna), Karisa Brown (Ben) and Garrett Wiley. Eight Great-Grandchildren, Madison Swinson, Gabi Swinson, Bishop Swinson, Beckett Swinson, Owen Grosse, Chaise, Makaya, and Samual Brown. A brother, Hardy S. Swinson (Anne) of Fort Worth, Texas and a sister, Merrell S. Rogers of Kathleen, GA. His parents, Henry Monroe and Florence A. Swinson, four brothers and one sister, predeceased him.

Joe served over 30 years in the military retiring as a USAF Master Sergeant. His career in the military started in 1945 at the age of 17. He was born in Milan, Georgia in 1928 where his Baby Brother is buried. He died of the “Spanish Flu” in 1918 at 1 year old. After retiring from the Air Force, Joe worked at Lockheed Aircraft in Atlanta, Georgia.

In 1970, he moved his family to Virginia and bought a farm in Champlain. Joe built a large two-story wooden barn and painted it red for all to see as they drove by his farm. He loved to cut grass and garden. He would plant extra to share with friends and neighbors.

Joe attended RCC where he earned his Associate’s Degree and taught classes. In his later years, he taught himself to use a computer and smart phone, communicating with military friends and our family members around the world. He embraced modern technology with all who knew him, sharing love and news from France. It quickly spread as far as Florida, Utah or Texas with many Facebook friends.

Joe was a proud father, grandfather, great-grandfather, a great friend, helpful neighbor, and a loving, caring husband. Spending time with his family and friends were important to Joe. His children, his grands and great-grands were special. They all thought their Papa could “fix anything.”

Together with his wife Beverly, they joined Bethlehem Baptist Church over 48 years ago. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church, Building and Grounds Fund, P.O. Box 40, Champlain, VA 22438.

A funeral service will be held at Faulkner Funeral Homes, Marks-Bristow Chapel, Tappahannock, VA with pastor Danny Pack Jr. officiating on Saturday, February 22, 2020. Interment will be held at 12 noon Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at Quantico National Cemetery with full military honors.