James T. “Birdie” Swann, Sr., 74, of Benton, passed away Thursday, February 1, 2018 at a Chattanooga hospital. He retired from Massengill Tire, loved yard work but especially loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Viola Russell Swann; step-son, David C. Russell; parents, Joseph and Elsie Holland Swann; sisters, Clarene Moats, Ellen Swann, Pauline (Polly) Skelton, Bobbie Grisham, Doris (Dot) Lowe and Mamie Josephine Hicks; and brother, Donald Swann.
He is survived by his children, Tommy (Tammy) Swann, Carl (Debbie) Russell, Tammy (Ricky) Johnson, all of Benton, and Pamela (Frankie) Shields of Cleveland; grandchildren, Wendy Thomas, Carey Russell, David Perian, Amy Carruth, Tiffany Baily, John Shields, Jason Shields, Haley Swann, Tanner Swann, Joey Johnson and William Johnson; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters, Lois Prince, Beatrice (Melvin) Hicks, Becky Bain, Cleo Swann and Sue McFarland. Several nieces, nephews and extended family also survive.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5 at Higgins Funeral Home in Benton, with the Reverend Carl Haulk officiating. Interment will follow in Benton Memorial Gardens. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4 at Higgins Funeral Home.
Serving as pallbearers will be Tanner Swann, Keegan Ingram, Seth Farmer, Dakota Williams, Wesley Cronan and Garrett Moats.
Send a message of condolence and view the Swann family guestbook at
www.higginsfuneral.com.