James Walter Swanner

James Walter Swanner, 81, of Greenville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 in his home with his family by his side. Throughout his illness, James was lovingly cared for by his wife of 61 years, Loetta, family members, friends and many special caretakers. Born October 18, 1936 in Cumberland, Kentucky, James was the third of twelve children of the late Walter Earl and Sarah Ada Swanner. After graduating from Bell County High School in Pineville, KY, James proudly served in the United States Air Force in Caribou, Maine and Hamilton, Bermuda. He and his family returned home to the Bluegrass State where he and Loetta worked for his father in the Swanner General Store in Arjay, KY. A few years later, the family settled in Greenville where James worked as a builder for many years for Progressive Builders Inc. until his retirement. James was a member of the Forest Hills Baptist Church where he was ordained a deacon and the Augusta Road Baptist Church. James was a dedicated fan of the University of Kentucky basketball team and could not bear to watch them losing a game. He had a passion for deep sea fishing, physical fitness, gardening, nutritious foods and woodworking. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #691 in Pineville, KY for over 60 years. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his older brother, Doyle and his youngest sister, Bonnie Lynn Swanner. James leaves behind his beloved wife Loetta (Sizemore) of Greenville, SC, daughter Pamela Karen of Greenville, SC, son Bryan Keith (Susan) of Greer, SC, grandson Andrew Bryan (Lindsey) Swanner and great-grandchildren Marleigh Gail, Emerson James and Beckett Marshall of Oxford, NC, Andrew's brother Zachary Allen (Alison) Underwood of Chesnee, SC, Andrew's sister, Sydney Megan Underwood of Charlotte, NC, sisters Bobbie Joyce Gambrel of Greenville, SC, Jewel (George) Baker of Raleigh, NC, Carole Jean Henning of New Tazewell, TN, Diane (Terry) Cox of Pineville, KY, Barbara Sue (Luther) Evans of Harrogate, TN, brothers Jerry (Annette) of Abbeville, SC, Earl Dean of Stanford, KY, Lonnie Ray (Wanda) of Albemarle, NC, Michael Leon (Kathy) of Woodbine, KY and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. James devoted his life to his family and friends. He was always there to help in whatever way he could with unconditional love and support and he will be loved, cherished and remembered by them into eternity. Services will be conducted by Rev. W. Mattison King at the Augusta Road Baptist Church, 1823 Augusta Street, Greenville, SC on Friday, December 8, 2017 at 2 p.m. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. Graveside military services will immediately follow at Graceland East Memorial Park, 2206 Woodruff Rd., Greenville, SC. Memorials may be made to Augusta Road Baptist Church, 1823 Augusta Street, Greenville, SC 29605. Cemetery Details Graceland East Memorial Park Greenville, SC Visitation

DEC 8. 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM (EST)

Augusta Road Baptist Church

Greenville, SC

DEC 8. 2:00 PM (EST)

Augusta Road Baptist Church

Greenville, SC