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CLARENCE L. "LUCKY" SWARTZ

CLARENCE SWARTZ Obituary

CLARENCE L. "LUCKY" SWARTZ

The "Oleander Ranger" will take his last patrol down Oleander Drive this Friday 14 September. Lucky Swartz's legend of being one of Wilmington's first Highway Patrol Officers will live on through the many fellow officers, friends and family whose lives he has influenced.

Born on September 6, 1927, in Washington D.C., Lucky is survived by his 101 year old mother Ruth Alane Steger, sister Joan Hood, son James Gary Swartz, Sr, wife Ira Swartz, grandson James "Jay" Swartz, Jr, wife Brenda Swartz, granddaughter Dalynn Rollins, her husband Mike Rollins, great-grand sons Joshua Swartz, Cole Rollins, Logan Rollins, great-grand daughter Ava Rollins, step-grandsons David Herring, Daniel Herring, Jamie Rivenbark, step-granddaughter Chastie Blackwelder, step-great grandson Marcus Blackwelder and step-great granddaughter Analeise Rivenbark and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

It was said that there were three things to watch out for when coming to Wilmington. . . hurricanes, mosquitoes and Swartz. Joining the force in 1947 as a license examiner, he then transferred to the Highway Patrol in 1951 and never played favorites when he dealt out tickets and lectures as he patrolled from the Miljo and down the 2 lane Oleander Drive. One of the driving forces for his career was Lucky's love for looking after young teen drivers. During his 29 years on the force Lucky was most proud of the fact that there were no teen age auto fatalities on his beet. Lucky retired in 1976 to enjoy being with his wife Edna, son Gary, the grandchildren and hanging out with his good friends at Whitey's Restaurant swapping stories of their hunting and fishing exploits.

Visitation will be at Andrews Mortuary, 4108 S. College Road this Thursday 13 September 2012 from 6:00 pm. until 8:00 p.m.

Services will be held at 1:00 pm Friday 14 September 2012 at Wrightsville Beach Baptist Church on 601 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, N.C. with entombment to follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers please make your donation to The North Carolina Troopers Association, 3505 Vernon Woods Drive, Summerfield, N.C. 27358 in memory of C.L. Swartz.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com

Andrews Valley Chapel

Online condolences at StarNewsOnline.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Wilmington Star-News from Sep. 12 to Sep. 13, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for CLARENCE SWARTZ

21 Entries

Richard Bissett

October 10, 2024

Hate to hear about this, but Lucky was squared away with God, so I know he´s in a better place. I went to church with Lucky at Wrightsville Beach Baptist and rented him and Edna´s downstairs apt. before I got married. Lucky was legendary and I am proud to have known him.
Regard to the family,
Richard and Connie

John Gordon, NHHS '56

October 9, 2012

This is my second time for signing the book. After reading the other comments, it would be a great tribute to a Great Trooper to have a portion of Oleander Drive dedicated to Trooper Swartz. Not sure how this can be done but I am sure many NHHS classmates would gladly sign a request for this to happen.

Clyde Adams

October 5, 2012

As a Trooper, my first duty station was Wlmington. I will always remember the opportunity I had to serve with Lucky, and working shifts with him. He was steady, always answered the call and did his duty. He is at rest now and may his family find peace, knowing that his work on this earth as we know it is done.

Clyde Adams Jr.
Retired Trooper
Edenton, NC

Linda Skipper

September 17, 2012

My thoughts go out to his faimly, especially Gary. Gary, I know you were a good son, and I know you will miss him. Sorry I could not be there I was out of town. Just found out.

September 16, 2012

I only know "Lucky" by the ones he stopped from speeding and other tricks. I'm sure he enjoyed his life and eventually laughed at all the teenagers he'd gotten to know.
God bless and keep his family strong.
Vera Wildcat of 58

September 15, 2012

Uncle Lucky will be greatly missed with his lovable, cheery personality and great smile. My prayers go out to the family. Anne Bellamy, Holden Beach.

Randy Coble, Jr

Randy Coble, Jr.

September 15, 2012

As a teenager growing up in Wilmington and a FREQUENT! visitor to the Miljo with a lead foot, yes I did know Trooper Swartz on a personal level considering how many times he cast a baleful eye at me. At 70 years of age now, and with the knowledge of hindsight, I thank God for him and Trooper Ken Johnson. May they both rest in peace with the knowledge of the lives they saved. From the bottom of my heart, we need more like him every day.

Debbie Sheegog

September 14, 2012

I can't imagine our neighborhood without this man who stands out among men.
He has a legacy for sure, it seems; he was one of the first people who stopped to meet me and our dogs, when we found our home here, 8 yrs. ago. I know you all , family & friends who love him will hold one another close, please find support in this, give Chico & HIS other best buddy a hug for us. I am sorry for missing today; we were away, while he passed over. He is watching over us all now. I miss him, send you all love and comfort knowing how loved he is. With peace, Debbie , Jim, pups, & James & Patrick Sheegog

Al Simon

September 14, 2012

Gary & Family
Tropper Swartz will be greatly missed. We always had an eye out for him. You can bet, he was watching us.
May he rest in peace.
Class of "59

Robert Barefoot

September 14, 2012

It was always my intent to visit with him (again) someday. I'm very sorry to see him leave us. However, I can assure you there will now be far fewer traffic violators in heaven from here throughout eternity. Ol' Swartz nailed me and a friend one night back in June of '58 as we raced down Oleander Dr. about where the Putt-Putt used to be. It's a great story, too long to tell here and besides, I don't come out looking too good at the end of it! Indeed, seems like every time I visited the Miljo, he was frequently the topic of the conversation. We would often see him in passing and hopefully not in our rear view mirrors. Troopers with his legacy are rare and he was as much a part of Wilmington as the Cape Fear River.

Sincerely, Bobby Barefoot

Coffe at Whitey's

Jim and Paula Lashley

September 13, 2012

Lucky and I had many adventures whether it was patrolling the highways or fishing. Whenever I was in the area, we would get together at Whitey's and reminice our escapades over a cup of coffee. Lucky was a true "one of a kind" friend. One that will never be forgotten. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Debbie Langston McMullen

September 13, 2012

I remember attending church at Wrightsville Beach Baptist with Mr Swartz and his wife Edna, two wonderful people . Prayers and thoughts are with the family and friends. My God comfort you at this time .

John Gordon, NHHS '56

September 13, 2012

I am a graduate of NHHS '56, so I remember him well. He was a true friend of all Widcats even if they did get a ticket. He believed in the law and wanted all to obey. He was a topic for all of us MILJO regulars. I know he will be missed by his family and all who knew him.

Michele and Charles Poppe

September 13, 2012

Gary, so sorry to hear of your father's passing. He is with God now and your mother. We're thinking of you.

September 13, 2012

Some people you always remember. Lucky was one of those. With integrity in whatever he attempted, his character and sense of humor will be missed. He was a good man......
Cordy Hieronymus

Gary & Marsha Harris

September 13, 2012

Gary & Family,
So sorry to learn of your fathers passing. We will always remember the good times/conversations at Whitey's thru the years. May God's love sustain you thru these difficult times. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

renae hardee

September 12, 2012

lucky will be miss he was a good person and his family are in my prayer.renaehardee

Beth Hood

September 12, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless the Swartz Family.

Pat (Robinson) Higgins

September 12, 2012

I don't know if you'll remember me, but my parents were Patsy and Relmon Robinson. I went to elementary school with Gary. I was so sad to read of Trooper Swartz passing. I think my mother was one of the few who wasn't given a ticket when Trooper Swartz stopped her for not fully stopping at a stop sign. He did, however, give her a severe talking to, and from that point on she ALWAYS fully stopped at stop signs. I will always remember Trooper Swartz. He was truly a very fine man. I'm so sorry for your loss, and your family is in my prayers.

September 12, 2012

To the Swartz Family,Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Lucky truly was a Trooper's TROOPER and a man's MAN. He surely defined the strength and leadership a man is supposed to provide in a family, not just his immediate family, but also in the Highway Patrol Family. May Angel wings surrround the family and grant them peace.
Tim & Marsha Caulder, Leland,NC (Ret. NCSHP)

Molly Cooper Safrit

September 12, 2012

Swartz was a dedicated professiional and a fine trooper. My NHHS class of 1959 kept a sharp watch out for him on Oleander Dr. which in turn kept us safe. He was invisible protection until that light came on. Bless him.

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