John Henry Swaringen's Obituary
John Henry Swaringen, 86, of Albemarle, NC passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, July 17, 2023 at Atrium Health Cabarrus, Concord, NC. His funeral service will be held 11am Saturday, July 22, 2023 at West Albemarle Baptist Church with Rev. Adam Hatley and Rev. Brent Pope officiating. Burial will follow in Paul’s Crossing Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10am until 10:45am in the West Albemarle Baptist Church Family Life Center.
Mr. Swaringen was born May 27, 1937, in Stanly County N.C. to the late John Grover Swaringen and Clarice McIntyre Swaringen.
He is survived by his wife, Sue Leonard Swaringen of the home. He is also survived by one son Michael (Kathy) Swaringen, one daughter Susan (Rick) Tindal, grandson Chuck (Doshia) Swaringen, grandson John (Crystal) Swaringen, granddaughter Ericka (Graham) Hatley, granddaughter Krista (Logan) Self, great-granddaughter Grace Swaringen, great-grandsons William and James Hatley, LJ Self, and great grandson Maddox Haywood, brother Conrad (Helen) Swaringen, and Gerald (Janet) Swaringen.
He is predeceased by two sisters and three brothers.
Henry loved everyone and never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone he encountered. His love of people stemmed from his love of Jesus and the church. He often told his family and friends about being saved at the age of 14 and reminded them that Jesus is the only way to get into a wonderful place called heaven.
While Henry practiced being a witness to Christianity, he also worked tirelessly as a laborer with his family’s company. For over 30 years he worked as an upholsterer for Smith’s Novelties of Albemarle. Upon his early retirement from the Smith’s, Henry didn’t slow down. He continued to work doing odd jobs and upholstery work out of his home shop. When not in his shop, he tended to his garden, producing bushels of tomatoes that he gave away to everyone that asked for some.
Besides gardening, his other hobbies included being a successful investor in the stock market, and a devoted Mason. He was very proud of the fact that he spent over 50 years as a Mason in the Stanly Lodge-348 and an honorary member of the Norwood Lodge.
Never one to be idle for any period of time, he made sure to always let his grandchildren know when he was able to help babysit his many great grandkids.
He will fondly be remembered for his love of the Lord, work ethic, dedication to his family, and the boundless energy that most of us can only hope to have. Surely, he is now walking the streets of gold in heaven and repairing projects the Lord needs done but here on earth, he will surely be missed.
Memorials may be made to, West Albemarle Baptist Church, 336 Church St, Albemarle, NC 28001.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?
