March 22, 2021, 80, Mount Olive –

Charles Weldon Swinson, 80, life long resident of the Mount Olive area, passed away at his home early Monday morning, March 22, 2021.

Mount Olive’s townspeople and folks from surrounding communities will pay homage to this man whose life was of serving others, at a graveside service to be held Friday, March 26, at 3:00 p.m. in the Maplewood Cemetery. Following the service, the family will greet friends and relatives. In lieu of flowers, to honor Charlie’s memory and his goodness to others, please consider making a contribution to the funeral home to assist with final expenses.

Charlie was a dedicated volunteer with the Mount Olive Rescue Squad where he was past captain. His volunteering spirit gained him many awards and accolades. For his more than 50 years of loyal service, he was awarded an honorary lifetime membership with the North Carolina Rescue Association, in which he had held positions as both vice-commander and commander.

An avid sportsman, Charlie was a standout member of both the football and baseball teams at North Duplin High School. He happily recalled that at one point in time, the majority of the team was composed of young men from the Swinson family.

Just out of high school, he was drafted to play with the Milwaukee Braves but this dream was shattered when he suffered a shoulder injury. Though he could not play, he enjoyed coaching baseball and girl’s softball teams on the local level. The man who loved baseball was a staunch NASCAR fan whose main man was Bill Elliott.

He had served in the North Carolina National Guard. Until retirement, he owned and operated Swinson’s Cabinet Shop in Mount Olive.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Elsie Hodges Waters Swinson, of the home; children, Donald Waters of Florida, Teresa Swinson Thigpen and husband, Steve, of Calypso, Laura Swinson Skinner and husband, Dwayne, of Mount Olive, and Elizabeth Waters Wise of Mount Olive; a brother, Steve Swinson and wife, Ginny, of Charlotte; a sister, Kaye S. Massey and husband, Doug, of Mount Olive; grandchildren, Dustin Waters, Mitchell Thigpen, Corey Thigpen, Dwayne “D.J.” Skinner, Jr., Morgan Skinner, Charleston Skinner, Chase Skinner, and Trey Pate and his wife, Kelli; a great-grandchild, Elliana Platt-Thigpen; and several nieces and nephews.

Charlie’s heart was saddened at the tragic loss of a grandson, Kevin Eugene “Jabo” Wise, Jr.; a sister, Sandra S. Croom and husband, Clyde; and his parents Weldon “Pete” Swinson and Lona Lee Swinson Stafford.

A Tyndall Service.