Birth date: Dec 14, 1930 Death date: Mar 24, 2022
Ralph Lee McSwain, 91, of Norwood passed away on March 24, 2022 in his home. His memorial service will be Sunday, March 27, 2022 at 3 PM at Green Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. David Lowe and Rev. Ron Drye officiating. Read Obituary
He also has another son, Chris Lee McSwain, and a grandson, Chris Lee McSwain Jr. Coming from his ex wife, Laura Lee McSwain. Just thought maybe that should be mentioned.
When I first went to work as a deputy sheriff in Union County in 1970 I learned quickly of Sheriff McSwain and the high regard in which he was held. The sheriff for whom I worked, Frank Fowler spoke of him frequently as did our District Attorney, Carroll Lowder. Sheriff Fowler even send staff to see Sheriff McSwain’s records system and learn more of his office procedures. Later when I became sheriff myself I tried to emulate Sheriff McSwain and considered him somewhat of a mentor. When a state standards commission for sheriff’s deputies and detention officers was established by the General Assembly Sheriff McSwain represented our congressional district in promulgating the commission and its standards. He served on other committees, boards and commissions at regional and state levels. We were all impressed at his knowledge and wisdom. I was honored to have known him and worked with him.
Sending prayers and thoughts
Ralph was a humble kind and caring Christian man. He was much loved by many friends. He will be missed by all of us who knew and loved him. So blessed to have known him and thankful he’s healed and in heaven.
Pat and family, I’m praying for you all.
Love you all.
I remember Sheriff McSwain when they lived on Brown avenue between 7th and 9th street. He and my father were good friends. A good man.
I worked with Sheriff R.L. McSwain as a Deputy Sheriff. When the Sheriff's office was located in the Old Court house during that time period we moved into the new Jail and a new Sheriff's Office. There were only three road Deputies at that time me Colan Mauldin and Bob Bocum. At that time Steve Mills and Ronnie Morris was hired. Sheriff McSwain was a good man and treated everyone with respect. He could call everyone he would meet by their first name. I loved my job and I loved working for Sheriff McSwain. He will be missed by all that knew him. Rest in peace 🙏 Sheriff in God's loving arms ❤️
Pat, I'm so sorry you lost Ralph! He was a wonderful man & friend to all that knew him! As you know He was my cousin on the Upchurch side! He was our regular customer when Jimmy & I owed the Goody Shop in the 70! Like my husband Jim Mintzer, he isn't suffering any more & he is at peace! Ralph lift his mark when he was living! He helped anyone he could & was a darn good Sheriff & tough I could tell you a lot of true stories that happened in the 70's! He earned the role as Sheriff. Listening to the scanner at Goody Shop was as exciting as a real movie. The Criminals didn't like it when they heard his voice in bushes when them were having Chicken Fights or something else they knew they shouldn't been doing! Praying for You, Pat & your family! Love you!
Becky Stoker Mintzer
Condolences to all of the McSwain family.
A better Sheriff I have never known.
God Bless.
Sherry Baker
Pat & Family,
Boyd and I are so sorry for your loss. Ralph was such a special man to so many people. We know the last several years have been tough. You are in our thoughts & prayers! We love you! Boyd& Brenda Ingold
Our deepest condolences and prayers for the family. He was a very respected individual and it was a privilege to have known him thru the years.
