Lee Roy Swann, Jr. was born on August 9, 1934, at City Hospital, Little Rock, AR., to Grace Ethel Ward Swann and Lee Roy Swann, Sr. and passed peacefully, "achieving perfection through our Lord", on May 9, 2026.

His naming was unusual (as were a LOT of things in his life). When he was enlisting in the navy in 1952, they required a birth certificate. Lee and his mother, Grace, went to the Bureau of Vital Statistics to obtain a copy of his birth certificate. After a little waiting, the clerk returned and said they had NO certificate in the name, Lee Roy Swann, Jr., what they DID have, corresponding to the birth date, was a certificate for a "Swann baby boy, unnamed".

When he was born, there was some dispute between Grace and Lee (Sr.): she wanted to name him Kenneth Lee Swann and he wanted to name him Lee Roy Swann, Jr., so NO name was given to the child. He went through all the schools in Little Rock, St. Louis, and San Francisco without ever being challenged about his lack of a "real name".

He chose Lee Roy Swann, Jr. upon enlistment in the navy.

Lee's maternal grandmother was a full blood Cherokee Indian, making Grace half Cherokee and Lee ¼ Cherokee. He was very proud of his Indian heritage. His maternal grandmother was a Methodist preacher.

His father left the family when he was 5, leaving him to be raised by a single mother and later her two sisters. Lee was not a good student, he detested school. He quit high school in the 11th grade and worked in various endeavors until he enlisted in the navy in January 1952. While in the navy, he completed his education through the United States Armed Forces Institute and the successful completion of his GED.

He went to "Boot Camp" at the Naval Recruit Training Depot, San Diego, CA. Upon graduation from boot camp, he was assigned to the USS Dixie AD-14 (a Destroyer Tender; a repair ship). He reported aboard April 1952. In March 1955, he re-enlisted, and stayed on Dixie until September 1956. While aboard Dixie, he earned/was awarded several medals.

The Navy Combat Ribbon; Navy Expert Marksman (Rifle) Ribbon (Boot camp); US Navy Good Conduct Medal with 1 bronze service star; The National Defense Medal with 1 bronze service star; The United Nations Defense Medal; The Korean Service medal with 3 bronze service stars; The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation;

The Republic of Korea War Medal

In September 1956, he was transferred to the U.S. Naval Air Station, North Island, San Diego, CA. The first year there, he served on "crash boats "that were assigned to rescue downed Naval Aviators. In his second year, he was assigned to the Galley Master-at-Arms duty.

In October 1958, Lee was transferred to US Naval Radio Station ("Duva Duva"), Guam, Marianas Islands, then on to US Naval Magazine Guam. He stayed there until January 1959 when he was sent to US Naval Receiving Station, Treasure Island, San Francisco, CA. to be returned to civilian status. Upon return to civilian life, he returned to his hometown, Little Rock, and found employment at "National Shirt Shops". He stayed there until August 1960, when he was transferred to National Shirt Shop in Lennox Square, Atlanta, GA., as store manager. While at National Shirt Shops, he acquired an education in mens' style and furnishings, which helped him later in life.

In 1961, he enlisted in the US Coast Guard and was stationed at Sullivan's Island Lifeboat Station. He was there when the last lighthouse built in the US was being erected. This was a unique structure, as it is the only lighthouse to be a triangle instead of the usual cone shape. It is also the only lighthouse to be erected with an elevator in it AND the only lighthouse to be constructed of aluminum. Of the 3 branches of military he served, the US Coast Guard was his favorite because the primary duty of every "coastie" is Lifesaving/search and rescue.

He described himself as a "follower of Jesus" after concluding when someone hears the word "Christian" it is an automatic turn-off or perceived negatively. A follower of Christ is truer to form. He loved his God, his country, his flag, and his family; in that order.

He was a loving, kind "curmudgeon" (his words, not mine). He loved his daughters and only wanted the best for them, never wanting to hurt them, although he knew, deep down, he did, repeatedly. He sought forgiveness and understanding. His daughters loved him fiercely and understood him better than he knew.

His taste in music ran a full gamut: vocals by Sinatra, Buble, Bennett, and Diana Krall, Steve and Edie, Neil Diamond, The Women's Chorus of Dallas, Harry Connick, Jr., DixieLand Jazz, smooth jazz, big band, marches by Souza, and "old" country (1940-1955).

Christmas was his favorite time of year. His favorite movie was "It's a Wonderful Life". The old classics were always welcomed; he recorded lots of them from Turner Classic Movies to replay. John Wayne, Cary Grant, Barrymore, Jimmy Stewart, James Cagney, Clint Eastwood were some of his favorites.

If you look up the definition of "Leo" in the zodiac description, you'd likely see a picture of Lee. Lee Swann was a true Leo. He was generous with hugs, prayers, love, and even the shirt off his back. He asked for nothing from those around him but could be stubborn as a mule, Amanda's words, not his.

GOOD coffee was a blessing, and he loved to share a cup with all. Although both parents were alcoholics, Lee was not. He loved a good single malt but would also drink blended scotch. Jack Daniels, Makers Mark, and Crown Royal were all appreciated. So much of his life was "soap opera" ready, and he did not want this to be an accusatory/spiteful presentation about ANYBODY!

He is preceded in death by his mother, Grace Ward Swann Helton, his father, Lee Roy Swann Sr., his son, Vernon W. Swann, daughter, Robin S. Swann, step-daughter, Paige Sadler, grandson, Jeremy Cole Adcock, former wife, Jenny Lou Law Swann, former wife Lila Esther Anderson Swann, former wife Patty Ann Sparks Swann, and step-brother, John Garner.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Swann, of Irving, TX, daughters, Leah Swann Kuhn (Mike) of Venus, TX., Wendy Swann Bell (Don) of Mabank, TX, Amanda Swann Mayer of San Angelo, TX. Grandchildren: Thor Stensby-Swann (Kayla) of California, Casey Turner, of Escalon, CA., Jeffrey Lee Scott Mayer (Brenda) of San Angelo, TX., Shelby Mayer (U'I Kepani) of Hawaii, Bradley Adcock (Lyla) of San Angelo, TX., Bailey Adcock, Hailey Adcock, Zoey Adcock, Zachary Adcock of San Angelo, TX. Great-Grandchildren: Emmett Stensby-Swann, Grace Stensby-Swann, Finley Stensby-Swann, and Loen Stensby-Swann of Escalon, CA., Wyatt Lee Mayer of San Angelo, TX. Sister, Carol Duncan (Ed) of Mesa, AZ., Robert Swann of Little Rock, AR., niece, April Soman and family and Reuben Swann and family. First cousin, Stan Allen (Judy) of Indianapolis, IN., many friends and enemies (you know who you are).

This could be much longer in content, but as Lee would say; YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE IT!

Please join us to for Lee Swann Jr., Celebration of Life Service which will be Sunday, May 31, 2026 2:30 p.m. at the Freedom Life Fellowship Church

709 W. Midway Dr., Euless, TX 76039

Lee has only a few requests: Please wear RED!! Please celebrate his life, no tears, only JOY, as he has crossed over to be with our LORD and he awaits us there! He wants good music, good fellowship, good times to prevail.

As he always stated in salutations on someone's birthday: LOVE, HAPPINESS, PEACE, JOY, AND EAT LOTS OF BLUE BELL!!