Robert Odell Swain, Jr., 84, of Roanoke, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 20, 2014. He was born in Roanoke on August 23, 1929 to the late Robert Odell Swain and Fannie Martin Swain Ellis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Reginald Swain; a son, Michael Odell Swain; a grandson, Jonathan Odell Dooley; and brothers-in-law, Raymond Bryant and George Ayers.
Robert is an Army veteran, having served his country in the Korean war. He was an ordained deacon and youth minister, and proud member of Rainbow Forest Baptist Church. He retired from Norfolk & Western Railroad after many years of faithful service. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, and bowling, but above all, devoted his life to the Lord and his family. His glow and loving smile will always be remembered.
Family left to cherish his memory include his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Virginia Swain; daughter, Carolyn Swain Alger and husband Douglas; sister, Nora (Linda) Long and husband R.V. Long; half sisters, Judy Kelley and husband Russ, and Nancy Ayers; half brother, Jimmy Swain; sister-in-law, Elsie Paxton Pugh; grandchildren, Lewis M. Dooley and wife Tonya, and Teresa L. Dooley and fianc Chris; great-grandchildren, Katlin N. Johnson, Amber E. Akers, and Jaden M. Dooley; step-grandaughter, Andrea Rogers; granddaughters to be, Savannah R. Graham and Amber N. Graham; and his best friend, Otis.
The family will receive friends Saturday, August 23, 2014 and Sunday, August 24, 2014 from 2 until 4 p.m. and 6 until 8 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A funeral services to honor Roberts life will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, August 25, 2014 in the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Mike Grooms officiating. Interment will follow at Fair View Cemetery in Roanoke. Arrangements by John M. Oakey and Son, Salem, 540-389-5441. An online guestbook is available by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.First Visitation
Saturday, August 23rd, 2014 2:00pm - 4:00pm,
John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home
305 Roanoke Boulevard
Salem, Virginia 24153
Second Visitation
Saturday, August 23rd, 2014 6:00pm - 8:00pm,
John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home
305 Roanoke Boulevard
Salem, Virginia 24153
Third Visitation
Sunday, August 24th, 2014 2:00pm - 4:00pm,
John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home
305 Roanoke Boulevard
Salem, Virginia 24153
Fourth Visitation
Sunday, August 24th, 2014 6:00pm - 8:00pm,
John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home
305 Roanoke Boulevard
Salem, Virginia 24153
Service Information
Monday, August 25th, 2014 2:00pm,
John M. Oakey & Son Chapel
305 Roanoke Boulevard
Salem, Virginia 24153
Interment Location
Fair View Cemetery
Address Not Available
