Charles Marselle Swain

Charles Marselle "Chuckie" Swain
October 4, 1961 - September 1, 2025
A life remembered with love, honor, and gratitude

Charles Marselle Swain (known to family as Chuckie), 63, passed away unexpectedly on September 1, 2025, in Sanford, North Carolina, due to a health emergency while on his way to work. His sudden passing has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Born on October 4, 1961, in Frankfort, Germany, Charles was raised in a Christian home where he was baptized at a young age. His faith remained a guiding force throughout his life—offering strength during difficult times and gratitude during moments of joy.

Charles spent most of his youth in Hinesville, Liberty County, Georgia, during the time his father served in the US Army at Fort Stewart. After his father's retirement from the U.S. Army, Charles and his family relocated to his father's home state of North Carolina.

Charles graduated from Manteo High School (Class of 1979) and continued his education at the College of the Albemarle, where he studied drafting and construction. Charles went on to serve his country with pride as a military policeman in the United States Army, stationed both overseas in Germany and stateside in Massachusetts. His time in uniform instilled in him a deep sense of discipline and duty - values that shaped every chapter of his life.

Following his military service, Charles dedicated himself to public service as a law enforcement officer. Later, he channeled his skills and entrepreneurial spirit into owning and operating his own construction contracting business. Later in life, he also served as an assistant manager at several Food Lion locations. Charles was widely respected for his exemplary work ethic, his steadfast reliability, and thoughtful leadership.

Charles was deeply devoted to family. He cherished time spent with loved ones and took pride in supporting those closest to him. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie Vargo Tripp; his son, Charles Harlan (Harley) Swain; stepdaughter Samantha Tripp and her son Liam; and stepson Adam Tripp, his wife Sarah and his daughter Gemma. Among his greatest joys was the special bond he shared with his grandson Liam, whose presence brought immense joy into his life.

He is also survived by his maternal aunt and uncle, Delores E. Olson and Terry A. Olson; his sisters Deborah Swain Lyttle (Jimmy), Carolyn Swain Simmons (Dallas), and Sharolyn Ann "Shari" Swain Roughton (Joe); and his brothers David Leroy Swain (Casey) and Robert Lee Swain (Beverly). His siblings will especially miss the warmth of his presence, the laughter he brought into their lives, and the enduring bond forged through shared childhood memories. Charles also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members across North Carolina and Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Larry Marselle Swain and Shirley Eloise Olson Swain; his paternal grandparents Grady Braxton Swain and Hortense Clare Boomer Swain; and his maternal grandparents Doris Geneva Calander Olson and Tarnard Walfred Olson.

A memorial was held privately by his immediate family at the time of his passing. Charles' siblings honored him with a celebration of life on his birthday October 4, 2025 at the Swain family farm in Tyrrell County, North Carolina, beneath the pecan trees that shaded generations before them.

May Charles's memory bring comfort to those who knew him and serve as a lasting reminder of a life lived with dedication, faith, and love.

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." —Thomas Campbell

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