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David Samuel Swift, age 77 passed away on May 24, 2017 at the Baptist Hospital in Little Rock. He was born on October 12, 1939 in Monticello, Arkansas to the late David & Lillian Swift.
David confessed his life to Christ at a very early age, often singing and preaching, giving him the nickname of “Preacher”. His love for sports started in his youth, earning him as one of the greatest basketball stars to ever grace Drew High School and the Drew County community. His love for sports continued, often sharing highlights every morning talking to his baby brother, Roy (Peter-Bo). David was a graduate of the class of 1959. He entered AM&N College for two years studying Elementary Education. In his quest to greatness, he moved to Detroit, Michigan in search for a kingdom of his own. He was hired at Chrysler Corporation (Export/Import plant) David was a Technical Programmer in the paint shop and served as a supervisor for seven years. In 1980, he transferred to Jefferson North Assembly as the #1 Programmer in the paint shop, he was a hard worker and received many perfect attendance awards of excellent services throughout his career. David retired after working 33 1/2years on September 26, 1998. He was a devoted Christian serving as a trustee and steward at Mount Pleasant A.M.E. Church. He brought laughter to all he’d come in contact with. In the year 1995, David met a young maiden whom he desired to make his Queen. They met July 4 (and it’s been fireworks ever since) Marrying on August 17, 1996, David wanted his Queen to share a life of calmness and serenity so he returned back to the roots declaring to share his remaining years with his family and his two sisters. Moving back and settling back in Monticello, he began to work for the Monticello School District as their Campus mail carrier. After 14 years of service, he retired from the district vowing NEVER to work hard again. David enjoyed his retirement by doing daily visits with his sisters, his nieces, Arlicia and Linda, sharing a daily cup of coffee or meal with his City Drug girls, Sabrina, Pam, and Nicole. He loved to visit and chat with his family and he would always check on Curtis and Bonnie, often getting him a nap during the visit. The highlight of his day was meeting up with his Big Jax buddies, shooting the breeze and cracking jokes, always making them laugh. David was a straight shooter and never compromised who he was for anyone!! You didn't have to wonder what type of person he was from day to day because he lived a life that spoke to others as well as for him. He was an honorable Gift from God as a husband, showing everyone how a real man should love and honor his Queen. David was a faithful and honest loving man and endowed everything a King should be. David had a voice fit for a heavenly choir and his favorite chuch song was, “I’ve learned how to live Holy”. David loved listening to his favorite Blues artist, Bobby Rush and was fortunate to see him in concert last year singing his favorite song, “I aint studdin ya”, which he would often tell to anyone in laughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Lillian Swift. Three brothers, Hubert Hedwood, Richard (Beatrice) Swift and James Swift, one grandson, Jerrick Young. He leaves to mourn his devoted wife and best friend, Anita. David was the proud father of 13 children. Deborah (Lloyd) Bolden of Mempis, TN, Carey McNeary of Fresno, CA, Sherry (Keith) Jefferson, Monticello, AR, Andre (Anna) Swift of Detroit, MI, Virgil Gambrell of Oakland, CA, Kimberly Gambrell, Tracey Berry, Donald Gambrell, and Gary Swift, all of Detroit, MI, Vanessa (Ryan) Franklin, Kenneth (Shamon) McFadden Jr, Kendyria McFadden, and Chyanne Craft, all of Monticello, AR. He leaves to cherish his memories, two sisters, Mary (Shelvis) Thompson and Bernice Brooks. His baby and only brother and right hand man, Roy Chester (Gwendolyn) Swift. His in-laws, Aaron, David Jr (Helen), Roy (Charmaine) Garner, Reginald (Linda) Marvin Sr, Keith Sr, and Kevin Sr (Tatanesha) Collins, Cheryl (Scott) Rainwater– Kearney, Doris (Wesley) Breaux, Linda, and Carolyn Collins. David declared he always had 32 grandchildren, a host of the strongest, hardworking nephews, the prettiest nieces in the world, a host of great grandchildren and so many much loved family and friends. Rest on my sweet King, you’ve finally made it to your Royal Palace.
David did not suffer and he fought the good fight of faith knowing that soon his time would be coming to an earthly end. On May 24, 2014, David heard the trumpet of heaven blowing, being ready to accept his final challenge to inherit his heavenly Kingdom to the prepared place given keys to his mansion and a crown designed just for a King such as he. He now graces the place where he can walk around singing in Heaven all day.
Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with burial in Campground Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.
David confessed his life to Christ at a very early age, often singing and preaching, giving him the nickname of “Preacher”. His love for sports started in his youth, earning him as one of the greatest basketball stars to ever grace Drew High School and the Drew County community. His love for sports continued, often sharing highlights every morning talking to his baby brother, Roy (Peter-Bo). David was a graduate of the class of 1959. He entered AM&N College for two years studying Elementary Education. In his quest to greatness, he moved to Detroit, Michigan in search for a kingdom of his own. He was hired at Chrysler Corporation (Export/Import plant) David was a Technical Programmer in the paint shop and served as a supervisor for seven years. In 1980, he transferred to Jefferson North Assembly as the #1 Programmer in the paint shop, he was a hard worker and received many perfect attendance awards of excellent services throughout his career. David retired after working 33 1/2years on September 26, 1998. He was a devoted Christian serving as a trustee and steward at Mount Pleasant A.M.E. Church. He brought laughter to all he’d come in contact with. In the year 1995, David met a young maiden whom he desired to make his Queen. They met July 4 (and it’s been fireworks ever since) Marrying on August 17, 1996, David wanted his Queen to share a life of calmness and serenity so he returned back to the roots declaring to share his remaining years with his family and his two sisters. Moving back and settling back in Monticello, he began to work for the Monticello School District as their Campus mail carrier. After 14 years of service, he retired from the district vowing NEVER to work hard again. David enjoyed his retirement by doing daily visits with his sisters, his nieces, Arlicia and Linda, sharing a daily cup of coffee or meal with his City Drug girls, Sabrina, Pam, and Nicole. He loved to visit and chat with his family and he would always check on Curtis and Bonnie, often getting him a nap during the visit. The highlight of his day was meeting up with his Big Jax buddies, shooting the breeze and cracking jokes, always making them laugh. David was a straight shooter and never compromised who he was for anyone!! You didn't have to wonder what type of person he was from day to day because he lived a life that spoke to others as well as for him. He was an honorable Gift from God as a husband, showing everyone how a real man should love and honor his Queen. David was a faithful and honest loving man and endowed everything a King should be. David had a voice fit for a heavenly choir and his favorite chuch song was, “I’ve learned how to live Holy”. David loved listening to his favorite Blues artist, Bobby Rush and was fortunate to see him in concert last year singing his favorite song, “I aint studdin ya”, which he would often tell to anyone in laughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Lillian Swift. Three brothers, Hubert Hedwood, Richard (Beatrice) Swift and James Swift, one grandson, Jerrick Young. He leaves to mourn his devoted wife and best friend, Anita. David was the proud father of 13 children. Deborah (Lloyd) Bolden of Mempis, TN, Carey McNeary of Fresno, CA, Sherry (Keith) Jefferson, Monticello, AR, Andre (Anna) Swift of Detroit, MI, Virgil Gambrell of Oakland, CA, Kimberly Gambrell, Tracey Berry, Donald Gambrell, and Gary Swift, all of Detroit, MI, Vanessa (Ryan) Franklin, Kenneth (Shamon) McFadden Jr, Kendyria McFadden, and Chyanne Craft, all of Monticello, AR. He leaves to cherish his memories, two sisters, Mary (Shelvis) Thompson and Bernice Brooks. His baby and only brother and right hand man, Roy Chester (Gwendolyn) Swift. His in-laws, Aaron, David Jr (Helen), Roy (Charmaine) Garner, Reginald (Linda) Marvin Sr, Keith Sr, and Kevin Sr (Tatanesha) Collins, Cheryl (Scott) Rainwater– Kearney, Doris (Wesley) Breaux, Linda, and Carolyn Collins. David declared he always had 32 grandchildren, a host of the strongest, hardworking nephews, the prettiest nieces in the world, a host of great grandchildren and so many much loved family and friends. Rest on my sweet King, you’ve finally made it to your Royal Palace.
David did not suffer and he fought the good fight of faith knowing that soon his time would be coming to an earthly end. On May 24, 2014, David heard the trumpet of heaven blowing, being ready to accept his final challenge to inherit his heavenly Kingdom to the prepared place given keys to his mansion and a crown designed just for a King such as he. He now graces the place where he can walk around singing in Heaven all day.
Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with burial in Campground Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.