Clay M. "Bill" Swift

Clay M. “Bill” Swift, 93, of New Castle, went to be with the Lord Friday, January 6, 2017, at his home, with his family by his side. He was born January 2, 1924, in Watauga County, NC, a son of the late Joseph Dewey and Auriola Nicole (Harmon) Swift.

As one from “the greatest generation,” Bill served our country during World War II, in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Intrepid. In 1986, he retired from Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in Noblesville (formerly New Castle). Bill enjoyed fishing, gardening, and he and his wife enjoyed going to garage sales, but mostly they enjoyed having their semi-annual barn sale at their home, where many friends were made over the years.

Above all, Bill’s greatest love was serving the Lord on a daily basis. He was a charter member of Immanuel Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Music Director and Youth Director. At the time of his death, he was a faithful member of Charity Baptist Church in New Castle. Bill served as a deacon for over 60 years at both churches.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 63 years, Erma I. Swift of New Castle, whom he married March 28, 1953. Also, a daughter, Barbara (Greg) Martin of Greenville, SC, and a son, Joe (Susan) Swift of New Castle; five grandchildren, Ryan (Amy) Dice of New Salem, IL, Josh (Tara) Dice of Athens, AL, Jessica (Josh) Collins of Greenville, SC, Ashley (Lucas) Morris of New Castle, and Molly Swift of New Castle; five great grandchildren, Adlin Dice, Kaden Dice, Kinley Dice, Ashton Collins and Alex Collins; brothers, Ed (Peggy) Swift of Albany, GA, Jim (Jeri) Swift of Appling, GA, Norman Swift of Boone, NC, and a sister, Mary (Elmer) Norris of Zionsville, NC; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Dice; a granddaughter, Stephanie Martin; five brothers, Robert, James, Roby, Henry and Charlie Swift; a sister, Frances Bunton.

The family would like to thank Henry County Hospice, Senior Helpers, and Veteran’s Care Bridge for assisting the family in caring for Bill in the final months of his life.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 10, 2017, at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 11, 2017, at Charity Baptist Church in New Castle with Pastor Larrel Boling and Rev. Frank Wood officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hills Memory Gardens in New Castle. You may share a condolence or memory of Bill at www.hinsey-brown.com .