Wyndall Lee Swelling

Wyndall Swelling was born on January 19, 1933 in Nashville, Arkansas to Joseph “Jody” Marion Swelling and Grace Ellie Stapp Swelling. He joined big brother Charles and older sister Bernice. Years later, their family was made complete with the birth of his younger brothers Billy and Gerald. They lived in a house that was furnished by a landlord where they planted, worked, and harvested the crop in exchange for their room and board along with a portion of the crop money. It was while growing up in Arkansas that he was given the nickname “Red” by his family and friends due to his flaming red hair. It was also there, at New Mount Zion Baptist Church that he accepted the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior. At the age of 18 his family moved to Texas because the job opportunities were much better there. It broke his heart to leave Arkansas but he knew it was the best thing for his parents and siblings. He rode in the back of a pickup truck to Texas singing “Sick, Sober and Sorry Broke Disgusted and Sad”. He was sad for a long time after he arrived in Fort Worth, Texas but knew it was for the best.

Once Wyndall arrived in Texas he found a church home and it wasn’t long before he surrendered his life to the ministry. He found work at several different places including Teague Lumber Company and General Dynamics but eventually became a full-time minister. He attended and graduated from Worth Bible College with a Master of Divinity Degree. While attending college, he accepted the pastorate of Trinity Avenue Baptist Church in Cleburne, TX where he met and married, Nancy Laverne Montgomery. They were married on November 6, 1958. He was a loving father to the two daughters they welcomed in their marriage and was a wonderful “Poppy” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Wyndall went on to pastor 8 churches in his ministry career and performed countless revivals, marriages and baptisms. Everywhere he had been he has met some wonderful people and has seen many come to know Jesus as Savior. After retiring from pastoring full-time, he spent the remainder of his years still using his talents for the glory of God. He loved it when a church would call him to fill the pulpit when their pastor was absent. Since those offers were getting fewer with each passing year, he would lead the song service, sing specials, or play his guitar. As long as he was physically capable he was determined to serve the Lord in some capacity.

Wyndall is survived by his wife, Nancy; his daughters Tammy McLendon (Tony) of Bedford, Tx and Angie Swilley (Doug) of Wylie, TX; his grandchildren Heather Hall (Brandon) of North Richland Hills, TX; Blake McLendon (Hollie) of Fort Worth, TX; Cole Swilley and Clay Swilley of Wylie, TX; his great granddaughters Prestyn Hall, Austyn Hall, and Kipton McLendon; brothers Billy Swelling of Fort Worth, TX and Gerald Swelling of Quitman, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Charles and sister Bernice.