Jerome "Jerry" Simmons Swafford

Jerry's family later moved to North Birmingham, where he attended Fairmont School and went on to be a proud graduate of the Phillips High School class of 1957. Unbeknownst to him, his future wife was also in the same graduating class; however, they did not know one another. After graduation, he attended Auburn University. He returned to Birmingham to help run his uncle’s wrecking and salvage business, as his uncle was in failing health. Following the death of his uncle, Jerry started a house moving business that he operated through the 60’s and 70’s. He later started an excavating business, J. S. Swafford Construction. One would be hard pressed to find an area of Birmingham where Jerry hadn’t done some type of work, as he often pointed out when driving around town.

In 1962, he met and married Barbara Speer Swafford. Early in their marriage, they moved to Gardendale, had two children, Denise and Craig, and began attending Gardendale United Methodist Church which later became Gardendale Mt-Vernon United Methodist Church. This is where his love of church service began. Over the years, he served on various church committees within the local church and most often on the Trustees. He also participated in Men’s Ensemble, led music for the Fellowship Sunday School class and thoroughly enjoyed greeting members and visitors at the front door.

In addition to local church work, for over 20 years he also served the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church in two capacities. Chair of the Trustees for the Central District where among other responsibilities, he played an integral role in repurposing church properties. As the Trustee Chair of the Board of Superannuate Homes, his institutional knowledge of the various Superannuate Homes and their residents is irreplaceable. Jerry remained in these roles until his untimely passing.

Jerry was valued board member of the Gardendale Board of Appeals & Adjustments for 32 years and served as Chairman for 25 of those years. He made a difference and will be dearly missed.

He loved Auburn and as a long time season ticket holder, he enjoyed many years of Fall Saturdays tailgating on the Plains. In 2023, he and Barbara became members of Bluff Park United Methodist Church and the Canterbury Sunday School Class. He always loved any opportunity to meet new people and establish new friendships.

He cherished the relationship with his grandson, Preston, and was so thankful for time with him. He was so very proud of Preston and always happy to tell anyone about him.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Ida May Loftis Swafford and William Durwood Swafford; brothers Alan Durwood Swafford and John Robin Swafford. Jerry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara; daughter, Denise Swafford Dowling (Tommy); son, Craig Jerome Swafford; grandson, Preston Dhu Dowling; Sister-in-law, Kathy Swafford; nephew, Nathan Swafford (Fawn); nieces, Brittany Murphy (Brett) and Ginny Minor (Ashley).

Visitation will be held at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel, located at 2029 Decatur Hwy, Gardendale, AL, on October 16, 2025, from 11AM to 1PM with funeral service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity.