Swayne Latham, Jr., age 86, died Sunday, April 25, after a brief illness. A lifelong Memphian and member of Idlewild Presbyterian Church, he was born to Nathalie Davant Latham and Swayne Latham, Sr. September 30, 1923. In his teens, Swayne proved himself a leader, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and serving as ROTC Commander and Student Council President at Central High School. He was fiercely patriotic and was honored to serve his country in the armed forces. After attending The Citadel, he enlisted in World War II, later being commissioned as second lieutenant in the US Army when he was stationed in France, and went on to earn his business degree from University of Virginia in 1948. Swayne entered active reserve duty in the Korean War as a captain in the US Air Force and squadron commander of the 516th Air Base Reserve Group. As a child stricken with polio, he had developed a lifelong fascination with aviation, spending his days observing the activity at the airport and building model airplanes, and he eventually earned his private pilot’s license. A successful businessman, he began his career as vice president of Swayne Latham Tires, Inc., later joining Memphis Stone and Gravel Company, where he became president. He eventually served as vice-chairman of Lehman Roberts Company and retired in 1990. Respected among his industry peers, he was elected Chairman of the National Aggregates Association. Swayne’s civic involvement included serving as officer and director of the Memphis Rotary Club and as a member of the executive board of the Chickasaw Council of the Boy Scouts of America, which bestowed upon him the Silver Beaver Award. Swayne was also a member of the Memphis Country Club. A devoted and loving family man, he is survived by his wife Berkeley Bettendorf Latham, his sister Nathalie Latham Manire, brother Davant Latham (Natalie), daughters Madeleine Latham Elmer (John), Peggy Latham McClure (Don, Jr.), Marion Latham McDonald (David), Anne Latham Martin, nine grandchildren, stepchildren Jim Bettendorf, Jr., Mary Bettendorf Horton (Don), Will Bettendorf (Sarah), six step-grandchildren, two step great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation is planned for Wednesday, April 28 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at Canale Funeral Directors, with services scheduled for 2:00 PM Thursday, April 29 at Idlewild Presbyterian Church, followed by burial at Elmwood Cemetery. The family requests that any memorials be directed to Idlewild Presbyterian Church, the Chickasaw Council of the Boy Scouts of America, or a charity of the donorÆs choice. Canale Funeral Directors 901-452-6400. Tags: 1945
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