Thomas Victor Swafford, 78 of Pikeville, TN, passed away at his home on Thursday, February 6, 2014.
He was of the Methodist faith. Tommy graduated from Bledsoe County High School in 1953. Five years later he graduated from The University of Tennessee with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering. He served his country in the United States Navy as a Lt. J.G. in the Civil Engineering Corps from 1959 to 1962. During his service, he designed and oversaw the construction of a helicopter pad and a bomb shelter for the White House. He also worked on the design and construction of early warning radar stations in Thule, Greenland. The pride and joy of his private career was his time as Vice President in charge of construction and engineering at Fairfield Glade in Crossville, TN from 1972 to 1991. He oversaw the design and construction of all roads, dams, lakes, golf courses, and the layout of the residential areas. After retiring from Fairfield Glade, he spent the next several years researching and authoring several books about the history of Bledsoe County, TN.
Tommy was preceded in death by his son, Gregory V. Swafford; brother, Phillip W. Swafford; and his parents, Hub and Ruth Swafford.
he is survived by his wife of 55 years, Helen Swafford; son, Phillip T. Swafford (Crystal Scogin); daughter, Lynne D. Swafford (David Emiren); grandchildren, Phillip Christian, Nicholas Ryan, and Parker Thomas Swafford, Anthony Greg and Thomas Alexander Emiren; brothers, Kendall, Steven (Elvie), David and Ronny Swafford; sister, Sue (Sammy) Humble; several nieces and nephews; special caregivers, Bertha Ford, Shelia Clark and Janet Holland; and his faithful companion, Molly.
A Celebration of Tommy’s life will be held in the funeral home chapel on Sunday, February 9, at 2 p.m. Burial will be in the T.Y. Swafford Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 8 from 2-8 p.m. and on Sunday, February 9 from 11 a.m. until service time.
Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Alzheimers Tennessee Inc, at 5801 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919.
Pikeville Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.