Dean Swords

Elford LeaDean "Dean" Swords, age 79, of New Albany, MS, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, at Sanctuary Hospice House. Born May 2, 1946, to Enoch and Cora Lee Dorrough Swords. Dean was a Vietnam War veteran, proudly serving his country after being drafted, and was a member of the Pontotoc Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite. He was a member of Ingomar Baptist Church .He worked with his brother, Joe at Electronic Specialist in Tupelo, worked at Mohasco, and eventually retired from Cooper Tire after twenty years of service. However, his true passions were baling hay, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dean loved the outdoors, whether farming, riding the tractor, hunting, or his every morning visits with his friends. His grandchildren and greats were the highlight of his life, and he loved every minute of his time he spent with them. Dean was a Christian by way of believer's repentance and baptism and spoke often in his last days of his preparations to meet God. Though we are grieving, we are reminded: 'The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning: great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23. Dean is survived by his loving wife, Becky Hall Swords, of 41 years. Daughter, Robin, and husband Greg, of New Albany; grandchildren, Lauren Adair (Ryan), Whitney Nall (Ben), and Brittany Pate (Tommy Britton); great grandchildren, Charlie Ann Pate and Cannon Nall. His brothers and sisters, Mary Ann Denton, Linda Stepp, Joe Swords (Arlene), Danny Swords (Lenita), Jerry Swords, and Jackie Swords. A host of nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his parents, Dean was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Denton, and brothers, Bobby Swords and Hub Swords. The family will receive friends in visitation from 1:00 – 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at United Funeral Service, with the funeral service following at 3:00 PM with Dr. Thomas Magers II, and Dr. Terry Cutrer officiating. Burial will be at Martin Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Martin Cemetery fund or Sanctuary Hospice House in memory of Dean Swords. Pallbearers will be, Scottie Denton, Mickey Hall, Dylan Reeder, Jeff Reeder, Hunter Swords, Joey Swords, and Ronnie Wilhite. Honorary Pallbearers will be Charles Browning, Walter Cook, Paul Hall, Jimmy Mayo, Billy Ray McDonald, John F. Weeden, Johnny Wilhite, Tommy Wilhite, and Larry Joe Williams. United Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with these services.