Willard Lee Swift

Mr. Willard Lee Swift, age 89 of State Road, passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at his home. He was born on July 26, 1937 in Surry County to Thurmond William “Fat” and Lessie Childress Swift.

Mr Swift was a member of Grassy Creek United Methodist Church where he was a Sunday School teacher and lay leader for many years. He was a graduate of Appalachian State Teacher's College and went on to serve as a teacher and coach at East Wilkes High School. He was later employed as Human Resources Director at Abitibi for 27 years and upon his retirement from there, served as Vice President of the Board of Directors for Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Lottie Mae Hemric Swift.

Survivors include his wife Martha Swift ; sons Johnny Swift and wife Susan of Davidson, NC, Joshua Swift and wife Amanda of Lewisville, NC, a daughter Tina Wodruff-Viane and husband Gary Viane of Boonville; grandchildren Taylor Wolfe and wife Michelle, Savannah Chandler and husband Max, Madison Hill and husband Luke, Sophia Swift, Jack Swift; great grandchildren Hayden Wolfe, Hunter Wolfe, Holden Wolfe, Noah Chandler, Theo Hill, Samuel Chandler, Callahan Hill, Levi Chandler; and Martha’s children Katie Gongoll, Steve Key, James Key, Tommy Key.

A funeral service will be held Monday, November 23, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Elkin Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Jim Prichard officiating. Burial will follow at Grassy Creek United Methodist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00- 2:00 prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Stones Throw Christian Ministry, 1475 Zephyr Mountain Park Rd, State Road, NC 28676.

The family would like to thank the staff at Mountain Valley Hospice.