Francis Raymond "Bigon" Swinson

On Wednesday August 14, Francis Raymond (Bigon)  Swinson went to be with the Lord. He left behind family and friends who loved and cherished him as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend.    He was preceded in death by his wife Frances Greer Swinson, his parents France Swinson and Emma Estelle King Swinson, brother Sammy Swinson and sister Mildred Taylor.  He is survived by his wife Lois Wetherington, son James (Jimmy) Swinson, son Anthony (Andy) Swinson (Leanne), daughter Michelle Clements (Brian), 4 grandchildren Mary Emma Clements, Sarah MacKenzie Clements, Anna Melisse Swinson and Brody James Swinson, sister Linda Banks (Marvin), and several special in-laws, nieces and nephews.  
Francis was a US Army Veteran and a member of his local VFW.  He worked at the Dupont plant in Kinston for 35 years as a CP Operator. He was a faithful life-long member of Pleasant Hill Christian Church serving as a Deacon, Elder, Sunday School Teacher, Chairman of the Board and Choir member at various times.  He enjoyed fishing and hunting and was a member of the Gold Mine Hunting Club for many years.  He greatly appreciated music as an avid listener, also playing the guitar and, in his later years, the piano. He had a wonderful tenor voice and could be heard singing songs of praise in both the church choir and, in his younger years, as a member of a traveling Christian quartet. Francis, like his father France, could build or repair anything from carpentry to mechanical equipment. He enjoyed gardening, and in his later years, growing and tending roses.  He could often be found repairing something at the church or working on some new project in his shop.  
Francis’s health declined in his last few years and he spent his last days in the VA Home in Kinston where he received exceptional care. 
Funeral services for Francis will be held at Pleasant Hill Christian Church on August 17th at 11AM with the graveside service immediately following at the church and visitation with the family preceding the service at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the Pleasant Hill Christian Church Memorial Fund.