Clarence Marion “BUCK” Swain, Sr. left this earthly plane at the age of 98 on April 8, 2016 at Carrington Nursing Center in Starkville, Mississippi.
He leaves behind his daughter Mary Jo Taylor of Philadelphia, twin daughters Peggy Guyton (John) and Patsy Sykes (Greg) both of Starkville, his “favorite” daughter–in-law, Sherry Swain of Starkville, his best friend and companion, Chester Middleton, nine grandchildren: Vicki Coats, Gene Stafford, Dale Pohl, Linda K Speer, Jen Gaither, Sue Painter, Robin Thornburg, Ryan Sykes, and Amy Winston; twenty-two great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Of course he also leaves a trail of swings that stretches across the country and made-to-order beds, chests, gun cabinets and racks, roll top desks, dining tables, bookcases, and picture frame, all timeless treasures.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George Franklin Swain and Lena Idella Mullins Swain; his wife of 54 years, Dot Pettet Swain; his wife of 12 years, Margaret Exyah Swain; his sweetheart of 7 years, Mary Love; his son, Butch Swain; and a great-great grandson, Wayne Stafford; sisters: Mildred “Bill” Stan, Georganna “Josey” Scrivener, and Doris Paige; and brothers: Frank Swain and Charlie Swain.
Buck Swain was a self-made man who had many talents and occupations. He was a meat cutter, a mess sergeant in the Army, a mortician, a business owner and operator, a woodworker and a candy man. He established Bucks Salads in the 1950’s, later adding catering services and operating the business until 1980. He then became a woodworker, showing crafts as Country Charm at local craft shows until 1987. He then established his swing business and became known as the swing man with his motto, “Be Happy. Swing in a Swain Swing on a Swain Swing stand.” When he could no longer build swings ,not one to be idle, he established Uncle Buck’s Peanut Brittle, LLC. He made the brittle, packaged it and delivered it himself from 2013 to 2016 in Starkville, Mathiston, West Point and Columbus and people began to refer to him fondly as Uncle Buck.
Visitation will be Sunday, April 10, 2016 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Welch Funeral Home. His funeral service will be Monday, April 11, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to service, also at Welch Funeral Home.
Reverend Dickie Bryan of Fellowship Baptist Church will officiate. Pall bearers will be Ryan Sykes, Russell Winston, Corey Thornburg, Jeromy Painter, Aubrey Pohl, Aidan Pohl, Gene Stafford, and Bryce Daves.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Palmer Home for Children or Fellowship Baptist Church.