Royce Jarrell Swaim

Royce J. Swaim, age 88 of Temple, died Friday, November 5, 2021 at a local hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Cedar Knob Cemetery near Salado. The family will receive visitors from 1:00pm to 2:00pm Tuesday prior to the service.

Royce Jarrell Swaim was born May 16, 1933 in Bell County, Texas to the late John Alec Swaim and Lucile McDonnold Swaim. He married Wyanell Phillips on January 28, 1956. Royce was a school administrator and educator for more than 40 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, George M. Swaim and Dr. John C. Swaim, Bryan Swaim and sister, Arline Rambo.

Royce was a graduate of Troy High School. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Southwest Texas (now Texas State) in San Marcos and later earned his Master’s Degree at East Texas State in Commerce. Royce began his teaching career in Salado and Belton before moving to Buda in 1967 where he oened a new school, Hays Middle School as it’ first principal. He enjoyed working with teachers and educating children.

After being in Buda for 10 years, he began his administrative career in the Round Rock ISD where he was associated for 21 years. The last 18 years before retirement were at Pond Springs Elementary School as school principal. Some of the achievements and honors during his career include: he was selected TEPSAN of the year (Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association); amassed Pond Springs for awards of excellence of a National Blue Ribbon School; and he was most porud of the year he retired in 1998, Pond Springs Elementary School was dedicated to him in honor of his 44 years of service of educating children. The school yearbook was also dedicated to him. Royce had a great love for children and influenced thousands oflives throughout his career. He was a member of the Texas Elementary Principals and a live member of TSTA. Royce was also a member of the local and state Retired Teachers Association.

Royce was a great husband, father, son, brother and friend. Royce did much volunteer work after retiring. He was a member of Crestview Methodist Church in Austin for many years where he was very active in the Methodist Men, various committees and drove the church van for those needing a ride to Sunday school and church. Royce used his talent of reparing, doing projects and helping at the church; also for family, friends or anyone that needed him. He was a member of Oak Park United Methodist Church in Temple at the time of his death where he was also an active member and served on several committees and actively engaged in the Methodist Men.

He was marked by enthusiastically helping other people. Royce enjoyed sports or all kinds as when he started his teaching career, he was a coach and officiated basketball and football games. He taught AARP driving classes to senior citizens for insurance discounts for many years.

Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Wyanell Swaim of Temple; a son, Terry Lynn Swaim of Temple; a daughter, Kimberly Ann Swaim of Belton and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Oak Park United Methodist Church, 5505 S. 31st Street, Temple, Texas 76502.