Swayze Robert Walton Jr.

Swayze was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi, on June 25, 1950. He was the fourth of ten children. He grew up picking cotton, planting gardens, and getting into trouble with his siblings. He played music and sang in the Baptist church from an early age.

After graduating from Flora High School, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he met two lifelong friends, Gary Klein of Washington and Allen Nielson of Michigan. Together, they flew and repaired helicopters during their service in Vietnam.

In 1976, he married the love of his life, Melanie. He continued his aviation career, although Melanie never enjoyed flying. Together, they built a life filled with hard work and adventure, owning several businesses over the years, from a pool hall to a trucking company. Swayze was also the first male cocktail server at a casino in Vicksburg, where he never met a stranger. A true jack-of-all-trades, he worked as an electrician, mechanic, and plumber and could fix just about anything.

Swayze leaves behind his beloved wife of 50 years, Melanie Major Walton; his daughters, Candy Grube (Albert) and Shedra Saab (Joe); his granddaughters, Taylor Champion (Landon), Bethany Young (Jordan), Carley Strozier (Ronny), and Sara Roberts; and his grandsons, Sebastian Walton (Lauryn) and Corey Henson.

He is also survived by his brothers, James Walton (Karen) and Ricky Walton (Nelda); his sisters, Clara Anders (Pat), Becky Gaines (Eddie), and Sandy Rasberry (Kevin); his brother-in-law, Mark Major (Denice); his sister-in-law, Katie Major (Jami); as well as many cherished great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Swayze was preceded in death by his parents, Swayze R. Walton Sr. and Florida Price Walton; his brothers, Robert Walton and Bill Walton; his sisters, Barbara Edwards and Peggy Ferguson; and his son, Kevin Walton.

Swayze’s favorite saying was, “Y’all are gonna miss me when I’m gone,” and he was absolutely right. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Legacy Hospice of Jackson, Mississippi, and Pointe Coupee Hospice of New Roads, Louisiana, for the compassionate care they provided to Swayze.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America, Brandon Chapter, P.O. Box 2332, Brandon, MS 39043.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Funeral Services will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.