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IN LOVING MEMORY OF Ronza Lee Swain, Sr.
Ronza Lee
Swain, Sr.
Mar 22, 1929 — Nov 13, 2016
Ronza Lee Swain, Sr.'s Obituary
Ronza Lee Swain was born on March 22, 1929 to the late Charles W. Swain and Estelle Webb-Swain in Roper, NC. On November 13, 2016, he willingly surrendered to heaven's call. He was preceded in death by his son David Wrighton and four siblings: Annie Fayton, Herbert Swain, Rosa Lee Hilbert and Robert Lee Swain.
He was educated in the public schools of Washington County, NC and entered the workforce at an early age. He was the first African American saw mill operator in Washington County, eventually taking an interest in driving log trucks. After years of dedicated service, he retired from the trucking industry, but remained physically active.
Upon retirement, Ronza occupied himself with agriculture and carpentry, putting his creative talents to work maintaining his home. His keen eye for noticing the needs of people in the community led him to open and operate Swain's Country Store in Roper, NC. Ronza had a deep affection for children and often demonstrated his love of family by sharing precious memories with those he met.
Ronza Lee "Pig" Swain leaves to cherish his memory: his life partner, Betty Spruill of Roper, NC; sons Ronza Lee Swain, Jr. (Deborah) and Donald Hedgebeth (Deborah) of Jamesville, NC; a daughter, Juanita Pope of Greenville, NC, and a step-son, Hubert Lee Boone (Mary) of Edenton, NC.
His surviving siblings are Lorenza Swain, Emma Kearney (James), and Daisy King, all of Lakewood, NJ; Mildred Solomon of Brick, NJ; William Swain (Betty); Shirley Nixon (Robert) of Roper, NC and William W. Swain of Neptune NJ.
Ronza also leaves to cherish his memory, nine grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, relatives and special friends.
He was educated in the public schools of Washington County, NC and entered the workforce at an early age. He was the first African American saw mill operator in Washington County, eventually taking an interest in driving log trucks. After years of dedicated service, he retired from the trucking industry, but remained physically active.
Upon retirement, Ronza occupied himself with agriculture and carpentry, putting his creative talents to work maintaining his home. His keen eye for noticing the needs of people in the community led him to open and operate Swain's Country Store in Roper, NC. Ronza had a deep affection for children and often demonstrated his love of family by sharing precious memories with those he met.
Ronza Lee "Pig" Swain leaves to cherish his memory: his life partner, Betty Spruill of Roper, NC; sons Ronza Lee Swain, Jr. (Deborah) and Donald Hedgebeth (Deborah) of Jamesville, NC; a daughter, Juanita Pope of Greenville, NC, and a step-son, Hubert Lee Boone (Mary) of Edenton, NC.
His surviving siblings are Lorenza Swain, Emma Kearney (James), and Daisy King, all of Lakewood, NJ; Mildred Solomon of Brick, NJ; William Swain (Betty); Shirley Nixon (Robert) of Roper, NC and William W. Swain of Neptune NJ.
Ronza also leaves to cherish his memory, nine grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, relatives and special friends.
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