Roy Swain
Age - 77
December 9, 2023
Roy Swain was called home on November 27, 2023, while surrounded by family.
He was preceded in death by his three brothers, George Jr. Swain, Jean David Swain, and William McCoy Speller, mother-in-law Eula Mae Bodley, son in law Gregory Rowell Sr. , sisters-in-law, Edwina Bodley, Nettie Mae Lowe, and Barbara Bodley, as well as his grandchildren, Sean McKoy, Queen Love Rowell, and Alonzo Polk IV.
Roy Swain, son of the late Lola Speller and George Washington Swain, was born on August 5, 1946, in Windsor, NC.
Roy lived a large portion of his early life in Bertie County, NC and graduated from Powellsville High School.
Following high school, Roy worked at Perdue in Lewiston NC. He relocated from Bertie County, NC to Boston, MA in 1977, and later met his wife, Leontine Swain. He was always a hardworking man who took pride in providing for his family. He worked for American Biltrite, Specialty Aluminum, and was a supervisor for Metropolitan Parking for several years until he retired.
Roy was a kind and gentle man. He was mostly quiet and not a man of many words, but his presence was always felt. He was a simple man who appreciated the small things in life like drinking a hot cup of coffee, playing solitaire on the computer, or watching old Western movies and sports. He was a selfless man and often put his family's needs before his own, and never expected anything in return.
He was wise and gave the best advice during all of his long-winded speeches, especially after a glass of Seagram's gin. He was also not afraid to speak his mind and to let you know how he felt. He was naturally funny and could have the whole room laughing with one joke. He loved to dance, laugh, go fishing, and cook, especially for large family gatherings. It was our family's tradition to always gather together at Roy and Tina's place.
Roy was also a man of love. He was a role model and father figure to many not just his family members. There was never a time where you had to question his support because he always showed up for the people he loved. His wife & grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was always preaching about how proud he was of his grand babies or about how he would remarry his wife Tina, again and again. He taught many of us the value of family & love and he will be truly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Leontine Swain of MA, daughters Veronica (Michael) McKoy, Beverly (James) Wesson, and Sherrie (Marcue) Oneal of NC, as well as Debra Rowell and Marlanea Drane, sons Frederick Drane and Leroy Drane, and sister, Shirley (Alphonso) Safford, all of MA, sisters-in-law, Della Swain, of MD and Valerie Speller of NC, and brother in law Johnny Bodley of Selma, Alabama, along with his twenty-four grandchildren, twenty-three great grandchildren, hosts of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. Roy Swain, also known as "Papa," will forever be in our hearts and be missed dearly.
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