William Swan

THOMSON, Ga. - Sheriff William Bryant Swan, age 81, widower of Mrs. Stella Swan, entered into rest Monday, October 24, 2016, in University Hospital McDuffie. Funeral Services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday October 27, 2016 in First United Methodist Church of Thomson with the Reverends Charles Broome, Melissa Reynolds and John Barnes officiating. Burial will follow in Savannah Valley Memorial Gardens. Sheriff Swan was a native of Glascock County, Georgia, but had lived in Thomson for many years. Graduating from Thomson High School in 1955, Mr. Swan was elected Sheriff in 1964 and at the time was the youngest sheriff ever elected in the state of Georgia. He loyally served the citizens of McDuffie County for over 27 years. Mr. Swan helped establish and support "We Care" (now Manna) that provided for needy families especially during the holidays. In the early days of "We Care" he spent countless hours delivering food and gifts to those families, many years right up to Christmas Day. He was a 50 year Mason, a member of The Lions Club and Young Memorial United Methodist Church. Survivors include his two daughters, Layne (David) Francis, Watkinsville, Charlotte (Greg) Derry, Thomson; son, William Bryant "Bubba" (Dawn) Swan Jr., of Thomson; 8 grandchildren, Will Swan, Kate Hammock, Sara Swan, Emily Hammock, Jake Derry, Sam Derry, Laynie Derry, and Libby Derry; and one great-grandchild Ellie Swan; sister Gwen Hight, Winder. Pallbearers will be nephews Honorary pallbearers will be Sheriff Logan Marshall and all current and former Law Enforcement of McDuffie County. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Young Memorial UMC and Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes. Friends may call at the residence or the Curtis Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday night at the funeral home. You may sign the online guest book at www.curtisfuneralhome.com Curtis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.