Hollis Edward Swinea, 78, passed peacefully at home into the arms of Jesus surrounded by his loving family on Monday, July 21, 2014. Hollis was a dedicated servant of the Lord attending church at Cross Point Church of Christ; faithfully serving communion to the residents of the Florence Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for many years and showing the love of Christ to others through his daily life.
Hollis retired from Ford Motor Company and General Motors after 34 years of combined service. He was a member of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union and the Shoals Mustangs Club.
Being a member of the Mars Hill Bible School graduating class of 1954, Hollis had the privilege of attending his fiftieth high school class reunion in May.
Visitation will be today from 1-3 p.m. at Greenview Memorial Chapel. The funeral service will begin at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with David Sain and Clifford Miles officiating. Burial will follow in Greenview Memorial Park.
Hollis was preceded in death by his parents, William Percy and Eva Cochran Swinea.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Sandra Brockwell Swinea; son, Steven Swinea (Valerie), of Florence; daughter, Amy Bennett (Warren), of Tuscaloosa; son, Patrick Swinea (Kristen), of Decatur; four grandchildren, Matthew Swinea (Courtney), Michael Swinea, Annalaura Swinea, and Caroline Swinea; two great-grandchildren, Aiden Bennett and Andrew Bennett; sisters, Lucille Ratliff and Becky Danley; brother, James Swinea (Bebe); and several nephews, nieces, and many dear friends.
Pallbearers will be Michael Swinea, Lee Danley, Kim Richardson, Terry Richardson, David Willingham, and James Goode. Honorary pallbearers are Matthew Swinea, Warren Bennett, Jimmy Clemmons, Ellis Coats, Bobby Carter, and the Shoals Mustangs Club.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Josh Willingham Foundation, P.O. Box 2194, Florence, AL 35630, and Gentiva Hospice, 3230 Florence Blvd., Florence, AL 35634.
The family would like to express deepest heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate care provided by Gentiva Hospice of Florence and for the dedication of Erin Davis, Anna Smith, and Pamela Barnett to provide comfort to Hollis during his illness.
