Buddy Russell Swafford Sr.

Buddy Russell Swafford, Sr., 75, of Old Fort, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2013 at his residence. He worked at Ben Milen Wholesale and was in the tire wholesale business for 40 years. He was a deacon and active member of Mountain Springs Baptist Church for over 50 years. He was a member of the Conasauga F & AM Lodge 396 and a member of the Ocoee Eastern Star. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jarrett Swafford and Bertha Taylor Swafford; two sisters, Helen Dalton and Ethelene Hamby; and two brothers, Albert Swafford and Oliver Swafford. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Margaret Milen Swafford of Old Fort; two children: Sheila Swafford and husband David of Benton, and Buddy R. Swafford, Jr., and wife Jill of Old Fort; two grandchildren, Logan Swafford of Old Fort, and Russ Swafford and wife Christy of Knoxville; and several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2013 in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Pastor Homer Roberts and Pastor Charlie Campbell officiating. Interment will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 7, 2013 at Mountain Springs Baptist Church Cemetery with Logan Swafford, Russ Swafford, Tommy Swafford, Haskell Swafford, Junior Hamby, and Scott Swafford serving as pallbearers. The service will conclude with a white dove release ceremony accompanied by Billy Milen on the bagpipes. The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2013 at the funeral home prior to the service. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Swafford family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.