Royal Short Swing

Royal Short Swing

Royal Short Swing, 85, of Charlottesville, entered his heavenly home on Saturday morning, May 22, 2010, after complications resulting from Kidney Disease.

He was born on July 1, 1924, to the late Charles Henry and Martha Short Swing, in Charlottesville, where he spent his entire life.

Royal graduated from Lane High School in 1943, after joining the United States Army Air Corp, and was trained as a fighter pilot. Then stationed as a first Lieutenant in Italy, he flew his P-51 Mustang, named" Lady Lou" on 50 missions over the European Theater. Upon his return from the war, he attended the University of Virginia and was later employed at Virginia Trailways for a number of years. He later took a rural "mail route" until his retirement in 1984, after 30 years of service.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 64 years, Louise Mayo Swing, who gave him special nursing care over the last 10 years. He was the proud and wonderful Dad to their five children, Susan S. Easton and her husband, Gerry, of Troy, Beth S. Burns and her husband, Francis, of Culpeper, David R. Swing and his wife, Vicki, of Appomattox, Roberta Spray and her husband, Rick, of Palmyra, and Charles Swing and his wife, Katherine, of Chesapeake; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger brother, James William Swing of New Market; and two nieces and a nephew. His two older brothers, Charles Henry Swing Jr. and David Jackson Swing, preceded him in death.

Sharing war stories, hunting, fishing and camping with his children, were Royal's favorite pastimes. Yearly summer vacations to Nag's Head, North Carolina were a family tradition for over 40 years until his health no longer permitted it. His children and grandchildren still hold to that tradition and cherish those precious memories.

Royal trusted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and began studying God's Word with a passion in the early 70's until his failing eyesight hindered his reading ability, but his mind never failed him in recalling a message or a specific Scripture reference.

Our deep appreciation is extended to his longtime physician, Dr. Carolyn Dalldorf, for her attentive personal care of Royal. We're so grateful for the wonderful service of Timberlakes Pharmacy and the kindness of all the employees for so many years.

A funeral service will be held 12 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, 2010, at the Hill and Wood Chapel with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Monticello Memory Gardens.

Any memorial gifts may be made to the Alliance Bible Church, 1410 Old Brook Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901 or to Samaritan's Purse (International Relief), P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 - Franklin Graham, President.

Friends may send condolences to the family at www.hillandwood.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.