Deacon William Swinton, Jr.

William Swinton, Jr. was born on February 15, 1933, in Geneva, Alabama, to the late William Swinton, Sr. and Willie Ida Swinton. In God’s divine timing, William’s earthly journey ended as he entered eternal rest to be reunited with the Creator. William was raised in Geneva, Alabama, and attended the Public School System. Upon graduation, he attended Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) in Tuskegee, Alabama. William met and married the love of his life, Gladys L. Nix, on February 8, 1958. From this union, they were blessed with three children, William (Bill) Swinton, III, Vanessa S. McCall, and Mary J. Swinton-Matthews. They lived in Mt. Dora, Florida, and later moved to Eustis, Florida. William was a hard-working man and provider for his family. He instilled in his children that hard work and education were the key to a successful life. He truly embraced family values. William was ordained as a Deacon in the 80’s at Greater Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church in Tangerine, Florida, under the leadership of Reverend Solomon Neal. He served as a Sunday School Teacher, Trustee, and was on the church Financial Committee. William later served as a Deacon at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend William “Billy” Hawkins. He attended church and served faithfully until his health began to decline. Deacon Swinton was a Prince Hall Mason in the Harmony Lodge Chapter # 107. He was also a Royal Arch Mason. William’s favorite pastime was fishing and keeping his property manicured. He was a handyman of all trades. William was preceded in death by his parents: William Swinton, Sr. and Willie Ida Swinton; Siblings – Solmen Swinton, Annie Ruth Swinton, Fannie Lou Smith, Minnie Ola Stanford and Gladys McNeal; Son-in-Law, Eddie McCall; and Grandson, Jarris Edward McCall. He leaves to cherish his memory…his loving and devoted wife of 68 years, Gladys L. Nix Swinton of Eustis, Florida; Children: Maple Jean James (John) of Willis, Texas, William “Bill” Swinton, III of Apopka, Florida, Vanessa S. McCall of Orlando, Florida, and Mary Jacqueline Swinton-Matthews (Garvin) of Apopka, Florida; his Grandchildren: Deniece Tyson and Jalen Richard Matthews; his Great-grandchildren: Vincent Anderson, Cameron Perry, Devon Perry, and Jalen Duece De’Mir Matthews; his Sister, Margie Swinton Jackson of Palo Alto, California; his Brother, James Swinton of Jacksonville, Florida; Sisters-in-Law, Bernice A. Hayes and Rosetta E. Boone, both of Eustis, Florida; and his Special Niece: Deloris Swinton Merritt of Ann Arbor, Michigan; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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Deacon William Swinton, Jr.

February 15, 1933 - July 9, 2026