Swann Whitaker

Swann Edwin Whitaker went to be with God in his hometown of Tazewell, Tennessee on September 26, 2018. Swann was a kind, gentle, happy man who loved God, his family, his church and people in general.

Swann was preceded in death by his parents, Farris and Ora Richardson Whitaker, his brothers Junior (Caltha) Whitaker, Clarence "Radio" Whitaker and his sister Wanda (Rube) Nunn.

Swann is survived by his loving wife, Georgia DeBusk Whitaker; children Constance Whitaker, Chris (Nancy) Whitaker, Craig Whitaker; grandchildren Edwin (Jodi) Whitaker, Justin Whitaker, and Bethany Whitaker Prince; and great-grandchildren Corbin Whitaker, Harrison Whitaker, and Neely Prince. His family will remember that he loved them deeply and encouraged them to pursue their individual goals.

Swann was born on October 7, 1930 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. He graduated from Claiborne County High School, where he loved playing on the basketball team. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army, and served in the Korean War. After Korea, he returned to Tazewell, married and moved to Michigan. Swann worked many years advancing to a senior position at Allied Chemicals of River Rouge. In 1970, he moved his family back home to Claiborne County and purchased Claiborne Refrigeration, installing and maintaining HVAC units until he retired.

Swann was an accomplished church music director and loved to sing. He served many years as Michigan State Southern Baptist Director of Music helping to start churches and church music programs throughout the state of Michigan. He was saved as a young child and became a member of New Tazewell First Baptist Church where he served as deacon and several times as church music director. Swann loved talking with people, working in his flower garden, restoring antiques and traveling.

A gathering of friends is scheduled to begin at 5:00 pm, with the funeral at 7:00 pm on Monday, October 1, 2018. Graveside services will be at the Fairview Cemetery at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2018. Dr. Ronnie Owens officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Pat Summit Foundation at 520 W. Summit Hill Drive, Suite 1101, Knoxville, TN 37902, or online at patsummitt.org. The family would like to thank the pallbearers, musicians, and New Tazewell First Baptist Church.

We would especially like to thank Kara Langenheim and Teresa Mills for their dedication and excellent daily care. Also, the employees of Amedysis Home Health and Claiborne Hospital and Nursing Home.

COFFEY FUNERAL HOME IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS
Please visit our website at www.coffeyfh.com for more information.