Heaven gained one of our own, but while he may no longer be here, he is flying high with the Lord's heavenly angels. Our hearts are broken as we mourn the passing of a Godly man, Orson William Swofford, Jr. on February 8, 2021. He was a man of many names. To some he was known as the Cookie Monster who brought cookies and juice to the church nursery school classes bringing smiles and laughter every week. To many young students he was called Mr. Orson as he drove the church bus to all the youth choir mission trips. He was also known as teammate, coach or ump through years of softball games. To his fellow Marines he was a Leatherneck who proudly served his country. To so many others he was simply Orson, a true, devoted, and loyal friend. He was a man who taught and showed what true unconditional love looked and felt like. His goal was to selflessly bring laughter and joy to all he knew with his endless silly noises, handcuff wedding groom pranks, or going snipe hunting with his daughters, nieces, and nephews. Most of all, to his beloved family he was Daddy, Pa, and Poppy.

Orson was a devoted Husband to his soul mate Trina with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. He was a father who loved his four daughters, Tane, Tanya, Betsy, and Stacy, with all his heart. He was fiercely protective of his girls who treasured the yearly games we played together that brought tons of laughter.  He and Trina loved to travel in their RV throughout Alaska, Canada, and the lower 48 States. He dearly loved his 11 grandchildren and his 7 great-grandchildren. Above all was his love for the Lord, who was the constant source of his joy, positivity, and his care for others. Orson practiced unconditional love toward all, and in doing so, he reflected the love of Christ to the whole world.

Orson retired as the president of Cargo Group Ltd. In Port Wentworth and previously worked for C&S Bank. After retirement, he became a loyal member of the staff of Dollywood in Tennessee where he ran rides, parking, and safety functions for many years. His legacy is one of love, loyalty, devotion, and service to God, his church, his family, his Nation, his employers, and to his community. Orson, the man, the myth, the legend who will forever live as a cherished memory in the hearts of the thousands who knew him.

The family ask in lieu of flowers please send donations to Corinth Baptist Church Youth Ministry in honor of Orson Swofford.