Name: Visitation for William Bedell Swift Jr.
Start: 2015-10-15T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2015-10-16T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Greenwood Funeral Homes - Cremation at Greenwood Memorial Park

William Bedell Swift Jr., 77, passed away suddenly Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, in Fort Worth. Celebration of life: 1:30 p.m. Friday in Greenwood Chapel. Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Greenwood. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Operation Kindness of Carrollton, Texas; the Alzheimer's Association; or any charity of choice. Bill was born June 13, 1938, in Fort Worth which was his lifelong home. For over 30 years, Bill loved to entertain the people of Fort Worth and places as far as the East Coast with his music in the Bill Swift Trio and Bill Swift Three +1. Bill began his passion for piano and music at the age of 5, under the wing of Grace Ward Lankford, co-founder of the Van Cliburn Piano Competition and the grandmother of his future wife. He dabbled in real estate for over a decade, but returned to his musical calling by managing Luke Wickman's piano company before retiring completely in 2003 to tend to his family, his pets and his flowerbeds. Bill attended Paschal High School and graduated from The Choate School in 1958. Bill entered collegiate life at Tulane University where he pledged the Mu Chapter of Phi Kappa Sigma. He transferred to TCU and the Beta Chapter in 1960 where he served as Alpha, Beta and Iota before completing his bachelor of fine arts in 1965. Bill generously devoted his time to the national fraternity by guiding the Beta Eta Chapter at UNT for five years as its chapter advisor. In 1990, he was appointed as Grand Delta for the Southwest Region, extending his responsibility across Texas and Oklahoma. His civic contributions included service to the Miss Texas Pageant as co-chairman and with the Rotary Club of Fort Worth and the National Association of Realtors. Bill's sense of humor and vitality were contagious and though he will be missed by so many, his legacy will endure and generosity will serve as an inspiration for years on end. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. William B. Swift and Dortha Rowland Swift of Fort Worth. Survivors: Devoted wife of 41 years, Sharon Russell Swift; daughters, Susanne Swift and Jennifer Swift Hill and husband, Lance and their son, Landon, and daughter, Jordan; son, Bill Swift III and wife, Amy, and their daughter, Sarah; Bill III's sons, Chris Swift and wife, Francine, and William IV; two great-grandchildren; sister, Lyra Maltese and husband, John; aunt, Allegra Nellermoe Boone; along with a host of loving in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends whom he loved like family.

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Published by Star-Telegram on Oct. 14, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for William Swift

Sponsored by the Star-Telegram.

27 Entries

Charlie Carey

October 8, 2024

So many great memories of Bill come to mind frequently. We shared the bandstand so often over the years with our mutual love of music. His wonderful caring and compassionate personality made my life happier.
Charlie Carey

Rick Page

July 15, 2016

Bill was one of those great guys you meet and never forget. I met him 1972 when we worked a piano/ organ display at the state fair together. He was a great talent and good man. I think the last time I saw him was around 1985 when a friend and I dropped into the petroleum club in Ft Worth and then we lost touch. I had a thought about him this morning and so sorry to read of his passing. My late condolences to his family and friends.
Rick Page
Denton

Clint Strong

April 2, 2016

Bill gave me my first chance to perform on a real gig And he gave me my start Thanks Bill RIP Love Clint Strong

Ann Koonsman

October 19, 2015

Bill not only had the gift of music, but a sparkling personality to boot! We worked together on many occasions, Miss Texas, Rotary Club, parties, etc. and he always brought life and artistry to the moment. It was a great pleasure, and an honor to have known and worked with Bill. Ann Koonsman, Immediate Past CEO
Fort Worth Symphony

October 18, 2015

Among the best of my childhood friends at Lily B. Clayton, McLean Jr. High and of course R. L. Paschal. We frequently sat next to each other and learned to copy each other's handwriting so we could fill in the blanks when papers were exchanged for grading. The chair he pulled out from under me and ruined a brand new dress my mother never forgave him for, so many kid stories. Never out of mind or heart he will never be forgotten but greatly missed. My sincerest sympathy for all his family but your loss has enriched the choirs of heaven and practice is in session even at this moment. While loved ones here are suffering in grief, May G_d richly bless you with all the crowns you so deserve Bill. I loved you as a childhood schoolmate and I love you now.

Janice Rosenthal Pospichal

October 16, 2015

I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I met him years ago when I played happy hour at the Hilton Waterworks and his band played after me. I always enjoyed sticking around to hear his music which was always great! I also live in SW Ft Worth so I have run into him over the years and enjoyed talking to him. He will be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with the family

Janice Rosenthal Pospichal

Jim Buxton

October 16, 2015

Bill Swift was one of a kind!

It is hard to believe that Bill has passed on from this world. He was just the coolest, kindest, nicest, hippest, awesome and genuine friend anyone could have. I feel so fortunate to have known him.

Bill was a phenomenal musician and I was so honored to be able to play drums with the Bill Swift Trio + 1 (Bill on Hammond B3 Organ, Piano, & Vocals with the amazing Jerry Case on 7- string Guitar and the superb Drenda Barnett on Vocals) for a while in the 1980's. It was awesome to watch Bill on the B3 playing the bass pedals with his left foot, pumping the volume with his right foot, while covering all the upper keyboard parts while singing!! He had such a great voice as well! A REAL Superstar!

I cherish the great memories I have of Bill Swift and will always carry them and reflect on them through my life.

May God Bless and comfort his wonderful family!

The Reunion

October 16, 2015

I just found out this Friday afternoon that Bill had passed away. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
His musical abilities and his singing will be remembered by all the folks who were lucky enough to hear his wonderful performances over the years. I had the honor and pleasure of playing music with him and I'll continue to cherish those memories.
His warm and humorous personality was tempered with a genuine humility and his desire to help others was always present and available.
The "leader of the band" has been called home to play God's piano and we'll miss him dearly.
Charlie Carey

Eddie Miller

October 16, 2015

My deepest Condolences to the Swift family. I just heard the news of Bill's passing this morning and I am very saddened by the news. Bill and I go back to the late 60's - early 70's. I highly respected Bill as a person and as a entertainer. I will miss him as will his other friends and piers.

Michele Coomer

October 16, 2015

Bill was the very best neighbor anyone could ever have. He was friendly, considerate, and made all of us feel more safe and secure just knowing he was around. He was always pleasant and willing to help whenever and wherever he saw the need.

He will be missed forever.

God bless Bill and all his family. Heaven has truly gained an angel.

Jon Felix

October 15, 2015

Bill and I go back to 1973 when I first heard his trio at the Hilton Water Works in Ft. Worth. I was in High school and called him how to be a professional musician I was writing for a book report. He was over overwhelmed and humble with my request. I knew then I was going to be a full time musician. we later became very good friends thru the years and we later worked together at Luke Wickmans piano dealership.
I'm so glad I decided to call him and Sharon two months ago and had a nice long chat with Bill, since I have lived in Memphis since 2004 I have not been in touch with him. So glad I made that call.
So sorry for your loss Sharon.
I'll always have his distinct sound of his trio and him playing the B3.
Love to you and the kids!.
R.I.P my friend

Elaine Lambert

October 15, 2015

What a wonderful tribute to a precious father. I'm sorry for your loss.

October 15, 2015

Sharon--so sorry for this to happen suddenly. God bless you and keep you now and forever.

Tim Soles

MARSHA

October 15, 2015

So sorry to hear of your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marsha

October 15, 2015

Dear Sharon and family,
Please know that each one of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Bill was a kind and gentle man, who made everyone feel special and cared for. His musical talent was a blessing to everyone who heard him . He touched so many people in his life, through his music and always made sure you felt better after being around him.
May God surround your family with love and comfort as you go through this difficult time.....Love to all, Tammy Grossman

BRETT MORGAN

October 14, 2015

i would like to send my deepest condolences to the entire swift family and all who knew him, ive met bill on several occasions during family functions and its very clear to me from my experience that this great man was a humble man, im sure i can speak for others that heaven has gained another angel, WITH FINEST THOUGHTS!! BRETT MORGAN

Bernice Morgan

October 14, 2015

To Sharon, Susanne, Jen and Family.

Bill will truly be miss Praying for you all.
RIP BILL,
NIECY HILL MORGAN

Winston Barney

October 14, 2015

Sharon,
I joined the musician's union in 1957 and have played with many bands large and small, but I can't recall any band that brought more pure joy to me than Bill's band at Casa del Sol. It was absolutely the best of times! We could swing or play it cool. We played some swanky places and a few , well, not so swanky, but we always could swing.
I still have a pic of the band on stage at Colonial C.C. dressed in cowboy clothes - you too! Bill Walker on drums!
I have never forgotten the wonderful, musical times we had together - even the six hour Saturday nights at Ridglea C.C.
I have thought of Bill often, always with a smile and appreciation for his talent and his humor. Again, he brought such joy to his playing and transferred it directly to the band and the clients.
The funniest gig (not for Bill) was at the old Rivercrest C.C, before it burned. We were in the middle of a tune when the power to the organ went off, sending it into a long cascade, like a siren winding down. Someone had turned on the bun-warmer, which in turn, blew a fuse.
Sharon, Elizabeth and I will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Pat Adkins

October 14, 2015

Bill Swift gave so much enjoyment to so many with his beautiful gift of music. He always had a great smile for everyone. He will surely be missed and condolences to his family.

Jimmie Moser

October 14, 2015

Sharon, I am so very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I remember how touched I was by his music at your Mom's memorial service and what a truly kind and caring man he seemed to be. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I know your friends and family will sustain you through this very difficult time. Sincerely, Jimmie Clay Moser

Teel Lunsford

October 14, 2015

Love to you and your family Susanne. Prayers for your sweet Father's transition. Teel

Lori Todd

October 14, 2015

I love you all. He was quite the dancer as well. May he rest in peace and may God bring you all comfort.

Bill Straub

October 13, 2015

Susanne, Sharon, Jennifer and Bill
So sorry to hear about the loss of Bill. I hope your memories of him bring comfort to your family during this time. You are certainly in our prayers.

Regards,
Bill, William and Logan

Faye (Blackshear) Reynolds

October 13, 2015

Sharon so sorry to hear of your husband's passing but so glad you had 41 beautiful years to share. Prayers for you and your family and may God comfort you.

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