Alan Kent Swayngim

Alan Kent Swayngim, 80, of Cruso, passed away peacefully at Harris Regional Hospital on August 27, 2016. He enjoyed gardening, guns, wood working, carpentry, his chickens and dogs. He was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Beatrice Swayngim; brothers, Aaron Julian & Stanley Swayngim; great-grandson, Jake Russell; and his Aunt Thelma and Uncle Vincent McElroy, by whom he was raised. He was survived by an entire community of people that loved him including a son and daughter-in-law, Sam and Tammy Swayngim; other sons and their spouses, Raymond and Jamie Swayngim, of Phoenix, Arizona, James and Mari Swayngim, of Torrance, California and Michael Swayngim, of Sydney, Australia; a daughter, Stephanie Swayngim and her fiancé, Bill Francis; his first wife, Peggy Swayngim of San Diego, California; over twelve grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Kent served several years and the duration of the Korean War in the United States Marine Corps and he was very proud of his service. He retired from Champion International (Evergreen Packaging). He was, also, an active member of the NRA. Kent was a man of his word and everyone was better for having known him. At Kent’s request, a short service will be held on Friday September 2, at 2:00 PM in the mausoleum chapel of Garrett-Hillcrest Memorial Park with the Reverend Earl Holden officiating. Pallbearers will be Sam Swayngim, Bill & Will Francis, Buck Brown, Josh Popp, Steve Haney, Matthew Sutton, Brian McElroy & Dallas Trantham. Entombment will follow with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made in Kent’s name to LifePath Palliative Care and Hospice in care of Great Smokies Health Foundation at PO Box 176, Sylva NC 28779. A message of comfort may be left and an online guest registry may be signed at www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com