Barbara Ruth Wilson Swindell

On the morning of Tuesday, October 11, 2022, Barbara Ruth Wilson Swindell ended a month’s long fight to survive multiple maladies, and entered the home of her Savior, having lived a full and exciting 83 years. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Robert (Bob) Swindell, her son Chris Swindell (wife Kathe), daughter Carrie Swindell Atkins, and four grandchildren, Lauren Nordvig, Robert (Rob) Atkins, Zach Swindell, and Shannon Atkins.

Barbara died much as she lived: with determination and a zest for the life she loved. Born to Royal and Ruth Wilson in Birmingham, Alabama, Barbara and her sister Carolyn spent their early years in Coral Gables, in Miami, Florida. At the age of eleven she moved to Jacksonville, Florida and attended Southside Grammar School in San Marco. Throughout her youth she challenged some of the considered expectations of young women in the 1950’s, and could be found among the boys of her age, playing in the creeks along the banks of the St Johns River. She attended Landon High School, always within circumstantial proximity of her future husband, Bobby, but never meeting him formally. It is highly encouraged that anyone ask Bobby for the retelling of their love story, which involves the most coincidental run-ins around the small San Marco community but in which the two young soulmates remained just a breath away.

Barbara finally did meet Bobby during her first year at Jacksonville University, where she continued her education and was a cheerleader. Shortly after meeting her, he invited her to a dance at the Citadel. She always remembered how she felt, stepping off the train in Charleston, being welcomed by the cadets, and most of all how much fun they had dancing together. They kept in contact and spent most of the next summer going on local adventures, waterskiing and of course, dancing. She fell in love with Bobby and South Carolina, transferring to the University of South Carolina in 1958. They were married on July 18, 1959. She gave birth to Chris the following year and Carrie 4 years later in their hometown of Jacksonville.

Barbara loved and admired her father and prided herself in their similarities. Like Royal, Barbara had a mind for business negotiation and an entrepreneurial spirit. She looked for opportunities everywhere and acted upon them. A natural educator, when Chris’ elementary school had no physical education program, she created one. She taught herself to sew, even making her own dress patterns. She studied genealogy and antiques, which led to her first business, ‘76 Antiques. That developed her interest in antique appraisals, estate liquidation and finally, real estate sales. Through each step of this journey, she recognized her ability to do more and wasted no time in teaching herself and taking action. She earned her brokerage license two years after becoming a realtor and in 1983 co-founded RiverPoint Properties, Inc. Barbara proved to be a sharp and meticulous business owner and set an example for the realtors at RiverPoint, including her daughter Carrie, passing on the legacy of the real estate business to a third generation. Barbara took great pride in her accomplishments helping her real estate agents become successful professionals. She worked until she physically could not. She never retired.

She continued to prove her ferocity and determination in 2013, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. While receiving chemotherapy treatments she endured operations for an arterial blockage, a failing kidney and quintuple bypass surgery, all taking place in less than 8 months. She overcame her cancer with a new appreciation for life and her loved ones and could be seen pedaling a bike through Key West with her family only three months later.

In fact, Barbara’s whole life was marked with travel and an appreciation for beauty. Just like her approach to business, Barbara took the initiative to explore the world. She traveled across Europe, North America, and the Caribbean with her family and often her dearest friend, Janet Cambell. She recounted fascinating stories about her adventures, such as an expedition with Bob into Soviet-occupied Hungary, or a sailing race in the British Virgin Islands. Bob and Barbara also traveled extensively throughout the United States. Her favorite place in the world was Islamorada in the Florida Keys. Her face would glow blissfully, surrounded by her family looking at a fiery sunset over the blue-green water of the Caribbean. They will always treasure their half century of annual trips to Islamorada, and through her example hold travel as a crucial element for a full life.

Barbara will be remembered as a force of will and unabashed individuality. She was timeless, classic and dignified, balanced evenly with her bold and remarkable spirit. She held herself to a high standard, treating others with integrity and respect. Her word was set in stone. She loved, and was loved by her husband Bob, sharing a lifetime of growth and romance. Their love stood strong on a foundation of unbreakable trust and was passed along to her children and grandchildren, who she reminded at every opportunity of her selfless devotion. For her children she protected and strengthened, was fiercely loyal, and made them feel they could do anything, following her example. Gammy, as she is known by her grandchildren, wasn’t just an entrepreneur or explorer, she was Gammy up the street and always available, the one to offer sage advice, to decorate an immaculate home, welcoming family for the holidays, and the one in whom we could all find a loving mother and grandmother. She was an 80-year-old in a bathing suit, swimming from a boat, miles off Islamorada, past sharks and barracudas, yelling through her snorkel to point out a sea turtle or eagle ray over colorful coral reefs. The lesson she gives to all of us is to appreciate life for everything it is worth and take no experience or time with a loved one for granted.

In her memory and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Southside United Methodist Church of Jacksonville.

Service and Reception will be held at:

Southside United Methodist Church

3120 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL. 32207

Friday, October 21st, 2022, at 2:00 PM.

• Reception to follow in the Rose Garden