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William Robert Swavely

William Swavely Obituary

Swavely, William Robert (aka: Billy Dee), 57, of Orange, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 22, 2010 after a 6 month battle with lung cancer. Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Coons-Swavely; children, Rodger, Jennifer, and Travis; 3 grandchildren; his mother, Katherine; siblings, Terry, Len, Al, Lena, and David; 10 nieces and nephews; and the many, many friends he made over his lifetime and throughout his careers as a popular nightclub entertainer and professional golfer. Services will be held on Sun June 6 at 1:00 at the Brand New Life Christian Center, 1110-B W. Taft Ave, Orange, 92865, 714-974-7031. A Celebration from 2:30 - 6:30, banquet room at Mama Cozza's Restaurant, 2170 W. Ball Road, Anaheim, 92804, 714- 635-0063. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made via billydeeonline.com, or call Mary at 714-227-0869.

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

Published by Orange County Register on Jun. 2, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for William Swavely

Sponsored by Mary Coons-Swavely, Wife.

32 Entries

Mark Beaty

May 29, 2024

I miss Billy so much we always had so much fun playing music together

susan

April 2, 2018

You sang at my wedding back in the 70's.....rest in peace

Brad Price

September 3, 2013

My heartfelt condolences go out to all of Billy's family and friends. I had been looking for information on Billy through the last few years, as he was a great friend to me as well as a mentor back when I had the privilege of playing music with him, Frankie and Mark back in Cero's between 85-91. I got married and moved away, and I never thought to ask Billy what his last name actually was. I finally found the information I was looking for, a bit late it seems. It's a sad day in my world friends. Rest In Peace Mr. William Robert Swavely. Brad Price - Springfield, Mo.

January 1, 2013

It has been almost 3 years since you passed, but I still think of you often. I listen to the wonderful music you have on your website often. It always brings a tear to my eye, as you gave myself and so many others much joy. You are sadly missed by sooooo many. Rest in peace Billy Dee...

And keep maling that good hip turn... Love you
Dan

Marie Thompson

August 22, 2012

My late husband and I used to see Billy sing every week. They are together now. I am so sorry for your loss. Everyone who ever heard him sing or played golf with him loved him.

Mary Coons-Swavely

April 14, 2012

Why do I miss you more today than I did a year ago. You will never leave my life <3

Scott Randolph

August 16, 2011

Along with Bill and a few others I was one of "Moms Boys" welcomed into the Chadwick home in Orange while in HS at Elmo. Bill played a big part in my life. I think I learned something about how to focus on important things in life. I saw him years later when I was in-country and he was performing at a night spot in Orange. Just knowing he is no longer with us makes the world the worse for me. I am sorry I didn't keep up better with him and was not there for him in the final struggle of his life. I now live in the Black Hills of South Daota.

Jennifer Swavely Friedman

June 29, 2011

I miss you so much daddy

Debbie, Robert & Samantha Allen

June 28, 2011

Happy Birthday Bill
Tell my mom hi for me
? Deb

Sunset in Hawaii

Mary Coons-Swavely

April 23, 2011

I remember all too well what Billy was going through a year ago and while I still miss him terribly, I am comforted knowing that he is at peace now. I would like to thank everyone who has signed the guestbook. I cherish your comments and condolences.

Cathy, David & Aaliyah

February 9, 2011

Well, we didnt have a lot of moments together but the moments we did have were amazing. You were such a happy and loving soul and I could only hope that others in this world had your spirit. You really knew had to brighten a room and I dont think I have met a more funnier person yet. Most importantly, I know how much your daughter loved and still loves you and that to me only proves evenmore, how great of a person you were. You are missed and will forever be remembered. Rest in peace.

Gloria Bruckner

December 20, 2010

Since we found out, just a few days ago about Billy's passing, we have been in shock and disbelief. I met Billy in the early 80's when he was at Cero's and became a forever fan of his. He could sing any song requested and always put his heart into it. Mary, my thoughts are with you I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for posting his songs so we can continue to listen to his great voice. He was a wonderful friend, and a great entertainer. Miss you Billy.

Mark Beaty

December 18, 2010

I'm Mark Beaty, I am deeply saddened to hear about Billy's passing. I met Billy in the late 70's and started playing with him in the 80's. We played at Cero's, Rio Vista, Tom Jones, Roonies and a few others I can't remember. We always had fun, one time I let him use my 1966 Strat, I had a hard time getting it back but he finally gave it to me. I have thought about him every now and then and wondered where he was playing. Again , I am so sorry and my thoughts are with his family. I love you Billy.

LEN & SANDY SWAVELY

November 30, 2010

TRUELY MISSED YOU THIS THANKSGIVING BUT YOUR BEAUTIFUL MUSIC CONSOLED US.
LOVE YOUR BROTHER LEN & SANDY

November 30, 2010

DEAR BILL ,
TRUELY MISSED YOU THIS THANKSGIVING!!! YOUR BEAUTIFUL MUSIC GAVE US WONDERFUL MEMORIES.
LOVE YOUR BROTHER LEN & SANDY

Paul Girouard

November 11, 2010

I lost track. So sorry, my good friend. Bill and I became friends in the second grade, in Canoga Park, California. We had many adventures in the years after, but lost touch as our lives went in different directions. He was a good man, a good friend, and a great talent. My condolences to his family. Take care of yourselves. You are Bill's immortality.

Rick Anthony

July 8, 2010

I sang with Bill in the high school choir. He was a great guy, a lot of fun to be around and a terrific talent. Unfortunately, as often happens, I lost touch with Bill after high school. His passing comes as a terrible shock.
My deepest condolences to his family.

sandy swavely

June 14, 2010

you are missed so much and i know you and laura are having a great time with the lord.
love your sister-in-law sandy

Patty Keys-Scarr

June 10, 2010

I have nothing but fond memories of Bill. He was a good friend of mine and my family's. I'll never forget being in the same talant show that he won. I enjoyed seeing him at every reunion. He will be greatly missed but where he is now is a million times better. He's the lucky one. God Bless Him.

Wanda Brace

June 8, 2010

Thanks Billy, for bringing so much happiness and smiles of joy to so many people. I was thrilled when you played at my birthday party 2 yrs.ago and will never forget that wonderful voice. Your CD is playing in my car everyday. You were blessed with a wonderful family and God-given talents.

Peggy End

June 7, 2010

Rest in Peace Billy. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I knew Billy about 30 years and he was always a great guy. The night flew by as we visited and listened to Billy sing. Til we meet again.

Karrie Van Vliet

June 6, 2010

Billy Dee was truly a friend to all. Knowing I was going to meet up with friends to listen to him sing every Friday and Saturday night help get me through the hard week at work. His singing and personality made me relax and enjoy life. We had so much fun and enjoyment because Billy Dee was not only a good singer but a great friend. I will always hold those memories close in my heart....Karrie (Davis) Van Vliet

nancy sparks

June 5, 2010

You will be missed by all.....You were so loved and such a voice.....Miss you!

Brenda Bangert/Shine

June 3, 2010

Bill touched many lives...regardless of how, it always started with a smile and in the end left your heart full of love...

I met Bill in high school and recently reconnected with him through my husband Tom at a driving range. Instantly, time stood still... As we shared memories, I felt as though we had never been apart.

Bill had the ability to embrace each moment. In the end, those moments will last a lifetime in our memories. Bill, my heart will always smile because you came into my life, again!

Patty Barnett Mouton

June 2, 2010

My thoughts and prayers for comfort are with your family. I met Bill Swavely when I was about 14, knew 3 chords on my guitar, and hoped that I could someday sing well enough to have people listen. In one instant BIll gave me confidence to begin what became a lifelong musical passion, 30 years of professional performance and courage. His kindness made a magical difference. I'm sure all his loved ones will miss him terribly -- may your grief be blessed with warm memories. Patty Barnett Mouton

Jeff Powell

June 2, 2010

I could say so much about my family's fondness for Bill over the years, going back to when the Swavelys were our next door neighbors. Through the years, my mother, in particular, became one of Bill's biggest fans during his career, and was always up to the task of rallying our family to support him when the venue was near us.
Just last year, Bill took the time to perform at my brother Brian's services. In quick order, and in his very special way, he put everyone at ease during a very emotional time. I shall never forget his gesture of generosity and compassion.
I shall miss you, Bill. May your celestial afterlife bring as much joy to those around you now, as it did with all of us before.
Give my Mom, Brian, and Kevin a hug for us, as I am sure they continue to be your biggest fans in the heavens.

Jennifer Friedman/Swavely

June 2, 2010

Daddy- You we're more then a great father to me... You were my best friend and there aren't enough words to describe how much I miss you. I cannot wait to see you again in heaven. I love you so much Daddy. Thank you for always being there for me and showing me how to be the person I am today.

Michael, Jeanne, Mikey and Molly Gapper

June 2, 2010

Dear Bill, my memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

The times I hung with Al and met with you to play golf were few but the times we shared putting, or driving will be cherished until we meet again.

Al and his family loved you very much, and I always saw that when kind words were spoken between Al and I. Your presence will be missed until they see you again, in heaven.

The song, I can only imagine, comes to mind.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the Swavely family.

May God Bless you and keep you until we meet again.

The Gapper family!

Billy and his 3 kids

Al Swavely

June 2, 2010

My brother and best friend that I will miss until I see him again with Jesus.

Mom and Lena Swavely

June 2, 2010

We miss you, Bill.
See you soon,
Love,
Mom and Leeeeen

Cathy Rubino

June 2, 2010

A great entertainer has been silenced. Billy, I will miss you terribly. Your entertainment and friendship will always be remembered. You brought chills and tears to my eyes when you sang "Cara Mia" and Roys' " Crying".
Until we meet again, Aloha my friend. Rest in peace.

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