Raymond Lewis "Rico" Swain, Jr.

Raymond Lewis Swain Jr., affectionately known as “Rico,” the beloved son of the late Raymond and Mae Haley Swain departed this life at the Salem VA Medical Center on October 23, 2018.

He leaves to mourn his loss and cherish his memory his loving wife, Lisa Caver Swain; three loving and devoted children, daughter Angel Swain of Roanoke, VA., sons Eric Swain of Atlanta Georgia and Sean Swain of Indianapolis, Indiana, a devoted sister, Dorothy (Dot) Swain, brother Mike Harris (Mary), sister Jackie Hamlet, a devoted cousin Grace Dean, all of Lynchburg, VA., Eugene Tweedy (Godfather to Angel) and a host of other relatives and friends.

Raymond was born on June 20, 1942 in Lynchburg, VA. He accepted Christ at an early age and joined Jackson Street United Methodist Church.

He graduated from Dunbar High School in the class of 1960 and following his graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Raymond served his country for nine years and received an honorable discharge for his valiant service. Before returning to his home in Lynchburg, VA he lived in Rome, Italy for several years.

Upon returning to Lynchburg, Va. in 1970 he sought out employment with the Meredith Burda Corporation becoming one of the first African-American males to be employed in a management position.

While still employed with Meredith Burda, his eye for designed and his creative ability led him to open and operate three jewelry stores in the city of Lynchburg that sold uniquely designed handcrafted jewelry.

In 1975, the experience gained at Meredith Burda and his unique skills as a risk-taker and visionary prompted him to open his own successful Printing Company, “Blue Ridge Lithographics,” which quickly became the largest minority owned printing company in Virginia.

After obtaining Degrees in Commercial and Graphic Arts from the Central Virginia Community College and the Rochester Institute of Technology, graduating with honors, he became Vice President for one of the most prestigious printing firms New York City, “Rotographics,” where he became publisher for two prominent Black Magazines, the NAACP’s Crisis magazine and Tony Brown’s Journal.

Raymond expanded his vision by moving his printing company to Washington, DC where his company was

responsible for printing such magazines as Black Enterprise, Black Riders and many others.

Because of his success in the printing business he was an honoree at the “The Black Caucus Convention in Washington, DC

After retiring, he was involved in church and started Bible study classes at his home in Roanoke, VA. Some of the many things that Rico will be remembered for is a keen awareness of worldly news and politics. His love for gardening is reflected by the beautiful flower beds and shrubbery that surrounded his home. He was an activist and involved in a number of activities to help the less fortunate get a new footing in life. He had a generous and kind spirit.

A celebration honoring Raymond’s life will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, November 3, 2018, at Oakey’s North Chapel with Apostle S.R. English officiating.  Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.