Michael Swaim

RALEIGH - Michael Swaim died August 17, 2023, at his home. A UNC-CH grad and US Army veteran, Mike worked for the State of North Carolina for many years. He was preceded in death by Barbara Anne, his wife of 53 years.

His patience and devotion as a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and neighbor, set a standard few ever meet, much less consistently maintain. He tolerated many a beach vacation when he really would have preferred visiting the mountains, but still always found a youthful spirit of fun playing in the waves for hours on end with his children.

Growing up on a family farm imbued in him a degree of pragmatism that in many, can hone a hard edge beyond which it can be challenging to see, but Mike always had an exceedingly thoughtful, kind, and caring heart complemented perfectly with a gentle soul and a simple, but all-encompassing level of integrity of character that all knew and loved him readily saw. His love for college basketball was a bond shared by many who knew Mike over many decades. He also had a somewhat radical passion for proper English grammar.

In his retirement years, Mike was an avid reader with interest in a wide range of subjects. He also was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, where he had many friends from many backgrounds.

Following inurnment in the columbarium on premises, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh.

In lieu of floral arrangements, the family requests that donations be made to either Second Chance (pet adoptions) of Cary, NC, to the First Presbyterian Church of Raleigh, or in Mike’s honor to the charitable organization of one’s own choice at one’s own discretion.

Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com