Swindell, Robert Morrow

Robert Morrow Swindell, of Radford, died December 25 from complications of a stroke at the age of 83. He was born on October 19, 1930 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the eldest child of Caleb and Mildred Swindell. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Ann Swindell Christopher. He attended high school in Moorestown, New Jersey and graduated from Lynchburg College with majors in physical education and social studies. Bob entered the U.S. Navy as a Lt. Jg., and was on active duty in the Korean Conflict. He began his teaching career at Martinsville High School as an English and Government teacher. He received his Masters Degree in Education from the University of Virginia in 1959. In 1964, he assumed the position of assistant principal at Radford High School, and was principal from 1967 – 1978. He remained with the school system as a guidance counselor and test director for the Radford School System until his retirement in 1989. He and his wife, Sue, enjoyed their retirement years by volunteering at the Radford/Fairlawn Daily Bread and trips to Florida and Myrtle Beach. Bob was an excellent golfer and poker player and enjoyed getting together with his friends for these weekly pastimes. He was a longtime member of the Radford Lions Club and a faithful member of First Baptist Church. Bob is survived by Sue, his wife of sixty-one years of Radford. Two children: daughter, Lynn Erwin and her husband, Rob; son, Bob Swindell, Jr. and his wife, Barbara. Three grandchildren: Rob Swindell, III and his fiancé, Amanda Hoffer; Joe Swindell and his fiancé Meg Harlow, and Becky Erwin Ashby and her husband, Andrew. One great-grandson: Ryker Bowen Ashby. All are of Roanoke, Virginia. One brother: Don Swindell and his wife, Judy of Sarasota, Florida. Two sisters: Carolyn Canfield and her husband, Jim of Kalamazoo, Michigan and Karin Blakely and her husband, Roger, of Jacksonville, Florida. Sisters-in-law: Nancy Buck of Wayne, Pa., and Sally Main of Norfolk, Virginia. Thirteen nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 28, 11:00 at the First Baptist Church in Radford, Va. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 6:00 on Friday, December 27 at Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. Memorials may be made to Radford Fairlawn Daily Bread, P.O. Box 3323, Radford, VA 24141 or First Baptist Church Choir, 215 Third Avenue, Radford, Va. 24141. The Swindell family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com