Gene Swinson

Gene Swinson, 94, of Charleston, SC, husband of Norma E. Swinson, entered into eternal rest December 18, 2018. Gene was born in Lumber City, GA, a son of the late Homer Swinson and Rosa Brown Wilson Swinson.

Gene and Norma Estelle Kendrick met on a blind date in 1944, and it stuck for 73 amazing years. He is also survived by daughters Pamela Jenkins (George) of Buna, TX and Laurie Infinger (Scott) of Ravenel, SC; grandchildren Sonja Jones (Buna, TX), Eric Hugdahl (Waxahachie, TX) and Brett DeCarion (Midland, MI); five great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, all of whom he loved deeply and was extremely proud. The youngest of five children, he is predeceased by brothers Vance, Spurgeon and Earl, sister Louise, and a daughter, Gail DeCarion (and we suspect comedian Jerry Clower was also a relative).

Gene proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Torpedoman's Mate. While enlisted, he was on the amateur boxing team classified as a featherweight, and sparred with 1940 Middleweight Champion Tony Zale for fun. He also served over twenty years in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He was a true patriot who retired after thirty years as a quality assurance inspector for the Department of Defense, and was a strong advocate for ensuring our citizens received the best quality for their tax dollars. He enjoyed getting to know his neighbors and showing them love with unexpected surprises like a freshly mowed lawn or flat tire repair. He provided us kids with many happy memories of meeting up with dear friends somewhere different every year for summer camping vacations. He and Norma traveled all over the country to visit family and even meet relatives for the first time, which he loved because it gave him a new audience for all those wonderfully corny jokes. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and big ol' sense of humor!

Gene and Norma's relatives and friends are invited to attend his Celebration of Life services on Sunday December 23, 2018 at 2 pm at CAROLINA MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME. Burial will follow in Carolina Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday from 1 pm to 2 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Gene's memory may be made to the Charleston Seventh Day Adventist School, 2518 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29414.

Arrangements provided by CAROLINA MEMORIAL PARK, FUNERALS and CREMATIONS, 7113 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29406 (843)797-2222. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.carolinamemorial.com.