COL William D. Swift, USA, Ret., 82, of Panama City Beach, Fla., passed away on July 14, 2022. Bill was born in Tacoma, Washington on March 27, 1940. Bill spent 30 years of active duty in the US Army commanding five different units both overseas and at home. He served three tours of duty as a helicopter pilot in Viet Nam. Bill was a decorated and proud veteran. His many awards included the Distinguished Flying Cross, The Silver Star with Valor and the Distinguished Service Medal.
After military retirement, Bill worked for the American Red Cross, Americorps and the government of Indian Affairs. He also worked for Northrop Grumman conducting military exercises in many different countries.
Bill is a graduate of The Citadel (Class of 1962) and received his master’s degree from the University of Alabama.
Bill loved attending Seahawks football games in Seattle with family and friends and even saw the Seahawks win the 2014 Super Bowl in NYC. Bill loved watching his grandchildren play sports and music. He never missed an opportunity to support and cheer them on.
Bill will always remain in the hearts of those who had the opportunity to know him. Music (50s and 60s) and dancing were highlights of his life. Bill never met a stranger and lit up any room that he entered.
He was a loving father to his two daughters and grandfather to five grandchildren. Bill is survived by Jeanine Ivey (Jason) and Jennifer Naehr (Mike) and by grandchildren: Terry Hobbs III, Circe Hobbs, Carson Naehr, Cody Naehr and Hawk Ivey.
The family would like to thank all his amazing caregivers, especially Sam Blount and Ashleigh Sandidge, for the loving care they gave to Bill during his long illness.
A service will be held at Kent Forest Lawn on July 23rd at 2:00 o’clock with family receiving friends one hour prior to the service for viewing. His final resting place will be in the Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
Those wishing to honor Bill can donate to Shriners’ Children’s Hospital. 12502 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33612.
Posted in: Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Posted on: 2022-07-20
Link to original obituary: https://www.kentforestlawn.com/tributes/William-Swift