Vernon Hemard Swafford

May 17, 1944 - July 9, 2013

Mr. Vernon Swafford, age 69, husband of Roberta Swafford, and a resident of University Drive in Columbia, passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at his residence. Private services will be held at a later date by the family. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family and in charge of arrangements. Vernon was born on May 17, 1944 in Cleveland, Tennessee and was the son of Edna Willard and the late Ray Willard. Vernon proudly served his country in the United States Navy and was a machine operator for many years before retiring due to illness. He resided in Columbia, Tennessee and spent over 20 years residing in Kalkaska, Michigan and later moved back to his home state of Tennessee. He loved his family, and he had a great sense of humor and loved cracking jokes. He was a proud father and a loving husband. Throughout his years he loved to hunt, fish and camp with his family. He also enjoyed taking drives through the country and was a proficient mechanic who loved tinkering around with his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Vernon enjoyed reading and loved westerns and anything to do with history. He was an excellent cook and loved making spaghetti. Every dish he made was done with expertise. He loved to share stories of his life with family and friends, and he had the gift of gab. He shared his skills with his children. He had a loving touch but a stern hand. He gave all that he had in everything he did. He had many loyal friends over the years who all loved him. His wife, Roberta, stood by his side through sickness and health and through richer or poor. She was his best friend, lover and wife. Roberta nurtured him and stood by his side through his final moments. He loved all his granddaughters and was very close to them. He was also very close to his mother, Edna, and his brothers. He loved his pets and being outdoors sitting on the front porch drinking sweet tea. He had firm opinions and beliefs, and he was highly skilled. He was never one to give up easily, and he fought for his life to the end. He will be missed by all his family. God bless, rest in peace, gone but never forgotten. "Family First" was his motto. In addition to his mother, Edna, and his wife, Roberta, of 42 years, he is survived by his children: Mike (Jamie) Kedzoir, Vernon Charles Swafford, Matthew Aaron Swafford, and Christal (Jerry) Swafford; son- in- law: Dennis Washburn; grandchildren: Nicole Long (21), Mariah Washburn (19), Miranda Washburn (18), Phoenix Graham (13), Kaitlyn Swafford (13), Mikenzie Kedzoir (13), and Barbie Kedzoir (1); brothers: Larry (Lyn) Swafford, Rick (Linda) Swafford, and Danny Swafford; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews; and his pets: Ozzy and Sam. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his daughter,Rachel Verna Lynn Swafford Washburn; mother-in-law, Joann Calleja; father-in-law, Alfred Calleja; and pets: Harley and Digger. Any condolences can be sent to the family at [email protected] or at 1751 University Dr. Columbia, Tennessee 38401.