Claude Melvin Swift

Claude Melvin Swift was a loving husband, father and nation’s patriot. He died February 22, 2021 at age 88 after years of declining health. A graveside service will be at 11 AM, Friday, February 26 at Lakeview Memorial Park.

Claude was born in Surry County, attended Bessemer High School in Greensboro where he excelled in sports, especially baseball. From 1951 to 1972, he served his country in the US Navy and retired as a Chief Petty Officer after serving in Korea and two tours in Vietnam. During that time, he met and married the love of his life, Mary Ann Jeffries who preceded him in death in 1990. After his naval service, Claude worked at Western Electric from which he retired after twenty-five years. Claude loved his family, nation and God and was a member of Rankin Baptist Church. He enjoyed country music, golf, and cheered the Braves and Giants.

He leaves behind his son, Mark Swift of McLeansville; granddaughters and their spouses, Tiffany and Jason Knight and Natalie and David Knight both of Summerfield; great grandchildren, Cruz and Payton Knight; sisters, Adel Fuquay and Linda Clifton both of Danville, VA; nieces, Patricia Rivers and Connie Weant; and nephew David Brown. Preceding Claude in death are his mother and step-father, Cordelia Adams and Garland Henry Carter; father, Paul Swift; sister, Grace Brown; and daughter-in-law, Miranda Swift.

In lieu of flowers that family asks memorial contributions be made to Charity Baptist Church, 4079 Battleground Ave., Greensboro, NC 27410. Online condolences may be offered at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.