Ruben Swafford

Ruben Swafford, age 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 29, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.  Ruben was born April 06, 1931 to the late Clifton Doc Swafford and Beulah Lee Carswell Swafford.  He was a lifelong resident of Nebo, North Carolina.

Ruben lived life to the fullest, and was well known as a family man and a father figure to many throughout his community.  Ruben was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed the farm life, and devoted his life to teaching his resourceful way of living. 

He served his country in the United States Army from 1952 until 1954.  Upon returning home, he was employed by Duke Power Mosquito Control where Ruben worked for 55 years, along side his father, Clifton and brother, Boyd Swafford, who was also his very best friend.  Together, the Swafford family proudly served over 100 years for Duke Power. 

He is preceded in death by his siblings, Guy Swafford, Boyd Swafford and Sommey Swafford, all of Nebo; infant son, David Dwight Swafford; and granddaughter, Alicia Michelle Warren.  He was also preceded in death by his ex-wife and special friend, Mae Swafford. 

Left to cherish Ruben’s memories are his three daughters, Patty Warren, Nancy Bolden (Michael) and Louise Rose (Johnny), all of Nebo; eight grandchildren, Tonya McKinney (Bud), Greg Warren (Tina), Alex Warren (Kayla), Brandy Curlee, Donnie Massey, Roy Massey (Crystal), Casey Wyatt (Brandon) and Joni Rose; seventeen great grandchildren, Cierra, Hunter, Jaden, Riley, Raegan, Trystan, Vaeh, Peyton, Katy, Kealy, Baylee, Oliver, Chloe, Hayden, Aryana, Abby and Skyler; and one great-great grandchild, Madison.  He is also survived by one sibling, Ruth Higgins (Troy); and a special honorary grandson, Thomas Church. 

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 2, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service with Pastor Terry Cheek officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the United States Army.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home.  A private interment will be held at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain. 

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the staff of CarePartners Hospice & Palliative Care-McDowell for the loving and compassionate care they provided Ruben and his family during his final journey.