Ray Lomas Swanson, 93, went home to join our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, March 8, 2018 surrounded by his loved ones at his daughter’s residence, 1330 5th St., NE, Hickory, NC 28601. Ray was born on August 27, 1924 in Caldwell County to the late Fred L. Swanson and Effie Oliver Swanson. He dedicated 45 years of service to Shuford Mills before he retired. In addition to his parents, he was preceded by his wife, Beaulah Hefner Swanson and baby daughter, Patricia Ann Swanson; a sister, Beatrice Davis and two brothers, Raymond and Wayne Swanson. Survivors include his daughter, Nancy Jenkins of Hickory; sons, Glenn Swanson and wife Barbara of Hickory and Joe Swanson of Hickory; five grandchildren, Dionn Huffman and husband Chris, Kimberly Poovey and husband Johnny, Ciara Carriker and husband Anthony, Robin S. Walton, and Jeffrey Kiziah; six great grandchildren, Olivia and Abigail Huffman, Amelia and Emma Carriker, Conner Poovey, and Holden Swanson, and sister, Beautia Chandler and husband Kenneth. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 12, 2018 at Hickory Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:30 until 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home. Reverend Ben Rowe will be officiating the service. Burial will follow at Springs Road Baptist Church Cemetery. A special thank you to “Our Extended Family” at Catawba Regional Hospice for their wonderful care. Memorials may be made to The Journey Church of Catawba County for the training and development of future leaders that they may spread the gospel, 621 38th Ave., NE, Hickory, NC 28601 or Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658.
