Dennis Ray Swafford

Dennis Ray “Dr. S.” Swafford, 60, of Charlotte, died along with his wife, Susan Swafford, on February 1, 2018, from injuries sustained in a house fire. Dennis was born in Charlotte on July 1, 1957, the son of Lester Eugene and Edith Lavona Morrison Swafford. He was proud to be a true lifelong resident of Charlotte. He grew up in Charlotte on Denning Place and when he and Susan bought their house on Wingfield, it was special to him that his new home was located in the former woods where used to play as a child. He attended Independence High School On June 20, 1981, as their wedding invitation read “On this day I marry my best friend”, he married Susan Swafford. Their reception followed at the home of his parents. In life, Dennis and Susan enjoyed many things. They enjoyed fishing, skiing, tubing, camping at Lake Baden, bowling, taking care of his boat, building dune buggies, pool league (where they won the city finals) and being members of APA (American Poolplayers Association). One thing all who knew Susan and Dennis will remember is how much they loved Christmas! Starting on Thanksgiving, the decorations would come out. Every room and much of the outdoors was decorated for the festive season. Not content with what they had the year before, every year brought all of the old plus the addition of something new. Over the years, their house even made the news for all their decorations. Watching his brother, Carl, go into auto mechanics, Dennis decided he too wanted to pursue that career and he went on to school to become an auto mechanic. Dennis had a natural skill with working with his hands and he worked his way up to the title of ASE Certified Master Mechanic. During his career, he worked mostly for Firestone Tire and Auto Service Center before his health forced him to retire. That did not stop him, however, from going over to his brother Carl’s home and continuing to work on their many projects. Most of all, Dennis loved the time spent with family and friends and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Dennis is survived by his siblings: Carl Robert (wife Cyndi) Swafford of Stallings, NC; Larry Eugene Swafford of Charlotte, NC; and Janet Swafford Hathcock of Matthews, NC. He is further survived by his stepmother, Ann Baird Swafford of Lancaster, SC; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. As they celebrated life together, Dennis and Susan’s families will hold a joint Celebration of Life Service. Their families have given Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of serving them and the gathering of friends and family will begin at 2 PM on Sunday, February 18, 2018, at the funeral home, 4715 Margaret Wallace Road, Matthews. At 3 PM, all present will gather in the funeral home chapel for a service led by Mr. Michael Neddo. All services will conclude that afternoon.

Dennis Ray Swafford

July 1, 1957 - February 1, 2018