Glenn D. Swafford

Glenn D. Swafford, of Newbern, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at the age of 76 from natural causes on December 11, 2025. The son of the late Glenn and Doris Swafford of Dyersburg, Tennessee, Glenn's life was marked by unrelenting curiosity and profound devotion as the father of three children and a deeply loved grandfather of ten grandchildren. His family was truly the epicenter of his life and his legacy of kindness and integrity lives on through them all. He is now joyfully reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Debbie Swafford.

A proud accounting graduate from the University of Memphis, Glenn was rightly known as a Renaissance Man for his remarkably varied career paths with the FBI, Washington Gas, and Amtrak. He was skilled in many trades throughout his life, growing up immersed in farming, and later working as a mechanic, a volunteer firefighter/emergency medical technician, a train conductor, a car salesman, a locksmith, and a truck driver. A skilled artisan, he excelled as a master clockmaker and jeweler successfully owning and operating several jewelry and clock repair businesses. In retirement, Glenn's inquisitive spirit never diminished, and he continued to rebuild antique clocks, tractors, and golf carts; his life's work was a testament to his dedication to craftsmanship and service. His favorite pastimes in his later years were solving the "world's problems" over breakfast in Newbern with his pals, fishing at Reelfoot Lake, and riding his side-by-side on the back roads around the family farm.

Throughout his life, he lived in Maryland and Tennessee multiple times as careers and family required his presence. Wherever he called home, he remained actively engaged in his community, whether serving as a volunteer firefighter in southern Maryland, supporting the Shade Tree Tractor Club's events, attending church, or generously volunteering his time to tutor children in Dyersburg. His technical passion meant he never missed an opportunity to learn how something worked, he loved to build and rebuild motors of all types from the delicate gears of pocket watches to the engines of antique motorcycles, trucks, and tractors. No matter the task of the day, his work was always accompanied by the sounds of country and gospel music, with artists such as George Jones and Ray Stevens serving as his comfort companions.

Above all, Glenn was a man of deep faith and extraordinary character. He was sought by many for intellectual counsel and candid guidance, balancing wisdom with a well-timed, lighthearted slice of humor. His caring nature and strong sense of responsibility were an inspiration to those around him as he consistently prioritized the well-being of others throughout every chapter of his life. He was always seeking opportunities to help others. For all who knew him, Glenn D. Swafford brought enduring joy to the world and he will be forever missed and loved. May he rest in peace in heaven with his savior Jesus Christ.

Funeral services for Mr. Swafford will be held Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. in the Chapel of Johnson-Williams Funeral Home. Officiating this service will be Rev. Tommy Jowers and Bro. Perry Grills. Visitation for Mr. Swafford will be Thursday December 18, 2025, from 9:00A.M. until service time at 11:00 A.M. at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.

Honoring Mr. Swafford as pallbearers will be Andrew Lechanski, Will Swafford, Michael Swafford, Chuck Maurer, Andrew Phillips, and Danny Fowlkes.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family is requesting that you consider donating in the honor of Glenn to one of the following outstanding healthcare organizations that supported his complex cardiac healthcare journey.

https://give.vanderbilthealth.org/fundraiser/6868043

https://www.methodisthealth.org/ways-to-help/ways-to-give/memorials-honorariums/index.dot

https://www.frederickhealth.org/about/donate/donate-now/