He was born in Hazelwood, NC on December 8,1931 the eldest son of Roy and Malinda Swanger of Waynesville, NC. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Mary Dillard Swanger, his son Dr. Roger Swanger, his sister Vivian Moore and brother Carroll Swanger. He is survived by three sons, Edward of Chattanooga, TN, Michael (Billie) of Chattanooga, TN, and Dr. Russell Swanger (Jamy) of Augusta, GA. Amon is also survived by his brother Jack Swanger and sister in law Jo Ellen Dillard of Waynesville, NC and sister in law Pat Swanger of Charlotte, NC. He is survived by nine grandchildren; Nicole Rojas (David), Jessica Crews (Brandon), Danielle, Lee, Rachel, Abby, Logan, RJ and Blake Swanger. He also has three great grandchildren, Nehemiah and Chloe Rojas and Ellie Crews as well as several nieces and nephews.
Amon received his education in Waynesville public schools and was salutatorian in 1949. He played trombone in the school band and represented his school in many academic contests.
He attended The University of North Carolina but left to join the U.S. Navy from 1951-1955 during the Korean war onboard The USS Coral Sea aircraft carrier as First Class Aviation Storekeeper. Upon leaving the Navy he joined an up-and-coming NC hardware company, LOWES, where he worked for 20 years. He started in the 3'° store of Lowes and worked his way up as salesman, manager of new stores and helped expand their national reach before retiring as Regional Vice President.
Amon was a member of Brainerd Baptist Church for 38 years holding several positions as Chairman of Deacons, as well as serving on Finance, Building, Priorities and Pastor search committees. He was Chairman of Building Committee during two major building programs for the church. He participated in two mission trips to Africa in the 1970s. Later in life, he was a member of Ridgedale Baptist Church for over 15 years.
He was active in the Tennessee Baptist Association, serving on the Board of Directors at Carson Newman College for 8 years and Tennessee Baptist Service Corporation for 8 years. He also served on Board of Directors of Bethel Bible Village for 2 years. One of his passions was being a member of Brainerd Kiwanis Club for 38 years with perfect attendance and was president in 1974.
In Lieu of flowers Donations can be made to American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association and Alzheimer's Association.
The family will receive friends on Monday, January 16th from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel, Hixson. The funeral will be in the funeral home chapel at 2:00 Monday with Dr. Winford Hendrix officiating. Entombment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
