Richard Gene Swagger, Sr.

Richard “Gene” Swagger age 96 passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Dundas, IL. On March 23, 1930. He attended school in Boos, Newton, Olney, and Flora. In his third year of high school in Flora, IL. He quit school and joined the US Army in May of 1947. He served in Alaska, Japan, Okinawa, Korea, Guam, Hawaii, and Turkey. He served in the Infantry, Calvary, Armor, and Ordnance branches. He retired with the rank of Sergeant Major after twenty-six and a half years of service on May 31, 1977. He acquired a high school equivalent credit by passing GED tests, he then attended Knoxville Business College and received an Associate degree in Business Administration.

He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn of 62 years of marriage; parents, Arthur and Zona (Doty) Swagger, sister, Elinor Hadden of Olney, IL; brother Robert Swagger of Flora, IL and step-grandchild, Keith Mille.

He is survived by his daughter, Shery Schmidt of Hendersonville, NC; sons, Richard G. Swagger Jr. of Knoxville, Jeff Swagger of Mesa, Az.; daughter, Shawn Wise of Knoxville.; grandchildren, Kelly Davenport of Etowah, NC., Cody Swagger of Athens, GA., Kayla Swagger of Knoxville, Weston Wise of Knoxville, TN, Brandy Swagger of Mesa, Az., and Evan Wise of Knoxville; step-grandchildren, Brianna Mille of Mesa, AZ. And Jennifer England Henderson of Athens, GA.; great-grandchildren, Hunter Davenport and Haley Davenport of Etowah, NC. And Mason Ricker of Knoxville; Stevie Wise of Knoxville, Winston Wise of Knoxville, and Scottie Wise of Knoxville, along with several cousins, nieces, and nephews who loved him dearly.

Family and friends will meet at 9:45am Friday, September 4, 2026 at Washington Presbyterian Church Cemetery for a 10:00am graveside service with full Military Honors provided by Fort Campbell Military Funeral Honor Guard.