- Date Of Birth: May 7, 1936
- Date Of Death: June 5, 2014
- State: California
Mr. Swafford, a local business owner and civic leader, peacefully passed away at a local hospital.
Viewing is Thursday, June 12th, 2014 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Mortuary.
CHARLES EDWARD SWAFFORD, SR. was born on May 7, 1936 in Colfax, Louisiana to Lonnie and Lucy Swafford. He received his formal education in Colfax.
On May 7,1956, Charles enlisted into the United States Air Force, where he served his country with pride and dignity during the Vietnam Conflict. In 1960, he received his Honorable Discharge.
During the mid l950s, Charles married Marion Ross. Four children were born to this union, Rickie, Monica, Charles Jr. and Edward.
After his stint in the Air Force, Charles settled in San Diego, California and began working for General Dynamics. Several years later, he ventured out on his own and became a successful and prominent businessman throughout San Diego County. He established and operated several lucrative enterprises which included: Swafford Half Way House, Swafford Liquor Store and Swafford Bail Bonds, which was his proudest accomplishment. He was also a member of the California Bail Bonds Association. Charles was known throughout San Diego as a businessman of sound integrity.
In July of 1968, Charles married Barbara Ottley and two children were born to this union, Donna and Curtis.
Charles was known for his southern styled hot water cornbread and mustard greens. No one could cook a steak like Charles and he deemed himself “The Steak Man”. He loved all sports including baseball, football and especially horse racing. In 2013, he purchased “Vindicted Ruler”, a thoroughbred race horse, who won first place at the Santa Anita Race Track in 2014. His children said that everything he touched turned to gold.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John, Willie and his twin, Edward; sister, Doretha Mark; and grandson, Rance Brown.
On Thursday, June 5, 2014, Charles was called home to rest. He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Rickie Brown of San Diego, CA, Monica Young of La Place, LA, Charles Swafford, Jr. of Atlanta, GA, Edward Swafford of Fayetteville, NC, Donna Winston of Lake Esinore, CA and Curtis Swafford of San Diego, CA; sister, Annie B. White of Colfax, LA; devoted friend, Sharon Williams of La Mesa, CA; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
