Thomas (Tom or Tommy) Theodore Swofford was born on June 6, 1940, in Wellsville, Ohio, to the late George Andrew Swofford and the late Zella Crosswhite Swofford. Tom went home to be with the Lord on September 1, 2025. He was surrounded by his daughters, Melissa, Allison, and Amy; grandchildren, Robbie, Curtis, Akeem, and Neveah; brother, William Freeman; nephew, Brad Cunningham; nieces, Angie Williams and Tirza Butcher-Smith; and his forever friends, Emma Connors and Rev. Jimmy Ruffin, as well as other family members and friends. On June 6, 1945, Tom was placed in the loving care of Hessie Williams in Canton, OH, whom he affectionately called Mom. Tom remained with Mom Williams until adulthood. He joined the Army National Guard on August 22, 1960, and was honorably discharged on October 24, 1962. On October 24, 1964, he married the love of his life, Willa Lightner, in Canton, OH, at Peoples Baptist Church. This union begat three wonderful daughters – Melissa, Allison, and Amy. He was employed by Timken Company, Superior Meats, and Duquesne Light. He retired from American Steel in 2002. Tom was an avid carpenter, gardener, artist, martial arts practitioner, and sports fan, especially the McKinley Bulldogs. He was a member of the Delegates and a member of the Canton Bulldogs, a minor league football team. He was a long-standing member of Peoples Baptist Church, where he sang in the Male Chorus, received the first Servant Award in 2008, received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, and participated in the Northern East Ohio Baptist Association. For a brief period, he was a member of Bethel Apostolic, where here was a member of the choir and usher board. His most passionate way to spend time was to be with family and friends. Tom is mostly remembered for his heart of service by either gardening, painting, building, or repairing for family members or friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Willa Swofford, parents, Mom Williams; sisters Mildred Swofford, Mary Bigstaff, Regina Carr, Lou Marshall, Lula Williams-Monroe, and Earlene Nelson, brothers George "Sonny" Swofford, Donald Swofford, Gene Swofford, and Henry "Bud" Williams; niece Barbara Butcher; and daughter Patricia Billings. He leaves to cherish his memory, daughters; Melissa (Bill) Swofford-Moore, Allison Swofford, and Amy Swofford; grandchildren Robbie Smith, Akeem Smith, Curtis Swofford, Raquel Friend, Chris Moore, Terrell Billings, and Termaine Billings; great granddaughters Neveah Swofford, Ardian Friend, and Alexis Friend; great-grandson Avery Friend; brothers; William Freeman and Jack Shaw, sisters; Dorthy McKinley, Elaine Owens, and Phyllis Swofford; hosts of nieces, nephews, and friends. We would like to give a heartwarming thank you to Briana Parks and her son, Colten Parks, for loving and caring for our father.