John Willis "Willie" Swords

Mr. John Willis "Willie" Swords of Pansey passed away Sunday, Oct. 8, 2006, at the residence of his daughter with his loving family at his side. He was 78.

Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Ashford City Cemetery with the Rev. Keith Johnson of Wayside Baptist Church in Ashford officiating. Other than scheduled visitation times, the family will gather at the residence of Mrs. Kathy Tolar, 515 Davis Cherry Road, Pansey.

Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made to Victory Junction Gang Camp, 4500 Adams Way, Randleman, NC 27317, (336) 498-9055.

Mr. Swords was born May 20, 1928, in Georgia. Mr. Swords was the owner and operator of Swords Paint and Body Shop in Ashford for more than 30 years. He was always proud of his service to the community with Ashford Fire Department, where he served as fire chief for eight years. He was also a member of Pansey Fire Department. Another of his accomplishments was his service in Civil Air Patrol. He attended Ashford First Baptist Church and Cowarts Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George William and Katie Bell Swords; his loving wife of 56 years, Trudie Nell Swords; and grandson, Steve Tolar.

He is survived by his son, Randy Swords, and wife, Tammy, Ashford; daughter, Kathy Tolar, and husband, Terry, Pansey; grandson, Rusty Tolar, and wife, Gina; granddaughter, Trinda Tolar; great-grandchildren, Conner and Aaron Tolar, Stephanie and Samantha Weeks and Santana Collins.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the kindness and love that Dothan Hospice showed the family during this difficult time.

Kent-Thornton-Meadows Funeral Home of Ashford, (334) 899-1117, is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guest book at www.dothaneagle.com.